What Is a Good GPA?
What is my GPA worth?
Enter a GPA to see what it means.
On a 4.0 scale, a 3.0 (B average) or higher is generally considered good, and 3.5 or higher is considered very good. A 2.0 (C average) is usually the minimum to stay in good standing. What counts as good also depends on your school, major and goals.
Worked example
Sam has a 3.2 GPA and wants to know where that stands.
- Letter equivalent: between B (3.0) and B+ (3.3), so about a B+
- Approximate percentage: 87–89%
- Rating: Good, meeting the 3.0 line many scholarships use
GPA quick-reference table
| GPA | Letter | Percentage | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | A | 93–100% | Excellent |
| 3.7 | A- | 90–92% | Excellent |
| 3.3 | B+ | 87–89% | Very good |
| 3.0 | B | 83–86% | Good |
| 2.7 | B- | 80–82% | Average to fair |
| 2.3 | C+ | 77–79% | Passing, but below average |
| 2.0 | C | 73–76% | Passing, but below average |
| 1.7 | C- | 70–72% | Low |
| 1.0 | D | 63–66% | Low |
Compare specific scores: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5. Eligibility rules vary by scholarship, insurer and school, so always check the exact requirements.
Why GPA matters for admission and aid
Grades are one of the biggest factors in college admission: in NACAC's 13th State of College Admission report, 79.2% of institutions attributed considerable importance to grades in college-prep courses (NACAC, Factors in College Admission). GPA also matters after you enroll. To keep federal financial aid you must make satisfactory academic progress, and each school sets the GPA needed (Federal Student Aid, Staying Eligible).
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3.0 GPA good?
A 3.0 is a B average. It is generally considered good and meets the minimum for many scholarships. Some auto insurers also offer good-student discounts, often tied to a B average; check with your insurer. See is a 3.0 GPA good for more.
Is a 3.5 GPA good?
Yes. A 3.5 is between an A- and a B+, which is well above average and strong for most programs and scholarships.
What is the average GPA?
Reported averages vary by year and school, but most US students land somewhere in the B range, roughly 3.0 to 3.4. Grade inflation has pushed averages up over time.
Does a good GPA depend on the major or school?
Yes. Some majors grade harder, and some programs set their own minimums. Compare your GPA with your department and goals, not only a single number.
Is weighted or unweighted GPA used here?
This page uses the unweighted 4.0 scale. A weighted GPA can go above 4.0 and is not directly comparable.
Can I still improve a low GPA?
Often yes, especially with many credits left. Try the raise GPA calculator to see how many strong terms it would take.