What is a Good GPA? Understanding College & High School Averages

Quick Answer: A “good” GPA is subjective and depends on your goals. Generally, on a 4.0 scale, a 3.0 is considered average, a 3.5 is considered good for competitive college admissions, and a 3.7 or higher is considered excellent and is often required for top-tier universities and scholarships.

The question “What is a good GPA?” has no single answer. A “good” GPA for an aspiring Ivy League student is different from a “good” GPA for someone entering a state university or a trade school. This guide will break down what a good GPA means in different contexts to help you set realistic and ambitious goals.

GPA Benchmarks: A General Guide (4.0 Scale)

Here’s a look at what different unweighted GPA ranges typically signify:

GPA Range	General Interpretation	Typical Letter Grade Average
3.7 – 4.0+	Excellent / Top-Tier	A- to A+
3.3 – 3.6	Good / Competitive	B+ to A-
3.0 – 3.2	Solid / Average	B
2.5 – 2.9	Fair / Below Average	C+ to B-
2.0 – 2.4	Minimum Requirement	C
Below 2.0	Academic Probation / At Risk	Below C

Context is Everything: Good GPA for…

…High School Students

The national average high school GPA is around a 3.0. A “good” GPA in high school is one that will open doors to the colleges you want to attend. For most state universities, a GPA of 3.0-3.5 is a strong starting point. For highly selective private universities, you will likely need a 3.7 or higher, often on a weighted scale that reflects challenging coursework.

…College Admissions

College admissions officers look at your GPA in the context of your school and the rigor of your courses. An unweighted 3.8 from a student who took all standard classes may be viewed less favorably than a weighted 4.2 from a student who took numerous AP and Honors courses. Your GPA tells a story about your academic work ethic.

…Scholarships

Scholarships often have firm GPA cut-offs. Merit-based scholarships frequently require a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Some may have a lower bar around 3.0, but the higher your GPA, the more financial aid opportunities will be available to you.

…Graduate School (e.g., Med School, Law School)

For competitive graduate programs, the standards are very high. Medical schools, for example, often look for applicants with a cumulative and science GPA of 3.7 or better. Law schools also have very high expectations for undergraduate GPAs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if my GPA is low?

A low GPA is not the end of the world, but it is a call to action. Focus on improving your grades in your current classes. If you’re in high school, a strong upward trend (e.g., getting better grades in junior and senior year) is viewed positively by colleges. For practical tips, read our guide on how to raise your GPA.

Is a 4.0 GPA perfect?

On an unweighted scale, a 4.0 GPA means you have earned a straight ‘A’ in every class. On a weighted scale, it’s possible to have a GPA higher than 4.0. We explain this in our post on what a 4.0 GPA means.

Last Updated: April 2025