Harvard University’s faculty has voted to limit the number of A’s awarded to students, capping the top grade at 20% of the class, plus four additional students. The measure, which passed by a vote of 458 to 201, aims to make the grades more meaningful and combat grade inflation.
The new policy, which applies only to undergraduate students, will take effect in the fall of 2027 and will be reassessed after three years. There is no limit to the number of A-minus grades or other grades that can be given out. Harvard faculty members hope that this change will give students, employers, and graduate schools a more accurate picture of a student’s achievements.
Grade Inflation at Harvard
Harvard began considering the change after a subcommittee found that too many students were getting A’s, making the grades less meaningful. In 2025, A’s accounted for 60% of the grades awarded to undergraduate students, up from 40% in 2015 and 20% in 2005. The subcommittee said that employers and graduate school admissions offices had told them that Harvard transcripts “no longer provide them useful information.”
Some students have expressed concerns that the new policy will create a more competitive environment, potentially harming the classroom atmosphere. Harvard Business School student Rachel Carp worries that the change may put students at a disadvantage when applying to graduate programs.
Amanda Claybaugh, dean of undergraduate education at Harvard, praised the change, saying it will “strengthen the academic culture of Harvard” and encourage other institutions to confront similar issues. The Harvard University Association co-presidents expressed disappointment that students were not consulted more during the process.
Implications and Reactions
The new policy has sparked a range of reactions, from concerns about increased competition to hopes that it will lead to more meaningful grades. As the policy takes effect in 2027, students, faculty, and administrators will be watching to see how it impacts the academic environment at Harvard.
The decision to cap top grades at Harvard reflects a broader trend of re-examining grading systems and academic standards in higher education. As institutions strive to provide students with a high-quality education and prepare them for success, they must balance the need for rigorous academic standards with the need to support student well-being and success.
