Why Harvard students are seeing fewer top grades this fall: What you need to know about the push against grade inflation
Harvard awarded significantly fewer A grades in the fall after faculty were encouraged to address long-standing grade inflation. Internal data show the share of top marks fell by nearly seven percentage points following guidance from undergraduate education leaders. The move follows an October 2025 report warning that inflated grades undermined academic standards. While faculty retain grading autonomy, the College has signalled institutional backing for tougher marking as policy changes are reviewed.
Harvard awarded significantly fewer A grades in the fall after faculty were encouraged to address long-standing grade inflation. Internal data show the share of top marks fell by nearly seven percentage points following guidance from undergraduate education leaders. The move follows an October 2025 report warning that inflated grades undermined academic standards. While faculty retain grading autonomy, the College has signalled institutional backing for tougher marking as policy changes are reviewed.
