Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What's considered an average college GPA?

Just curious, but what is typically considered an 'average' GPA in college? I know it's different from high school, but I'm trying to get an idea of how to gauge my performance once I'm in college. Any info would be super helpful!

11 months ago

An average college GPA can vary depending on the college or university, the specific major or program, and even the grading scale used. However, generally-speaking, a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 is often considered average in U.S. colleges. Since many colleges use a 4.0 scale, this would mean that an average college GPA falls around the middle of the scale.

That being said, it's important to note that each institution, department, and major can have its own standard or average GPA. For example, in rigorous programs or highly ranked institutions, you may find that the average GPA is higher, sometimes in the range of 3.0 to 3.5. Conversely, in less competitive programs or institutions, the average GPA might be lower, closer to 2.5 or 2.7.

To gauge your performance in college, it's best to compare your GPA to that of your peers within your major or department and consider the expectations of your college or university. You can also consult your academic advisor or research your school's average GPAs to better understand where you stand and how your GPA may factor into your post-college plans, such as graduate school or job applications.

It's crucial to focus on making personal progress and improvement rather than just a number. Engage with your coursework, seek help when needed, and establish study habits that work for you to ensure you're achieving your fullest potential.

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.