Harvard Proposes Cap on A Grades to Address Grade Inflation

The plan aims to restore the meaning of a Harvard degree by limiting the number of top grades awarded to undergraduates.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Harvard University is proposing to limit the number of A grades awarded to undergraduate students, responding to concerns that grade inflation may be weakening the value of a degree from the school. The plan would cap A grades at 20% of undergraduates, with some flexibility, across courses and departments if approved by faculty ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

Why it matters

The move comes amid broader concerns across U.S. higher education that rising grades have made it harder for employers and graduate schools to assess student performance. At Harvard, the share of undergraduate grades that are As has climbed sharply over the past two decades, leading to worries that Harvard transcripts no longer provide useful information about student distinction.

The details

The cap wouldn't include A-minus marks, and the plan would also allow four extra A grades in smaller courses. A committee was formed in November 2024 to study grading policies and possible alternatives, and the share of 'flat A's' had already fallen from 60% to 53% at the start of the current semester.

  • The plan would be implemented ahead of the 2026-2027 school year if approved by faculty.
  • A committee was formed in November 2024 to study grading policies and possible alternatives.
  • The share of 'flat A's' had fallen from 60% to 53% at the start of the current semester.

The players

Amanda Claybaugh

The dean of undergraduate education at Harvard University who announced the proposed grading cap.

Harvard University

The Ivy League institution proposing to limit the number of top grades awarded to undergraduate students.

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What they’re saying

“Ultimately, it will benefit students if employers and graduate admissions committees know that the grades on a Harvard transcript are a more accurate and nuanced reflection of student performance in their courses.”

— Amanda Claybaugh, Dean of Undergraduate Education (bostonherald.com)

What’s next

The proposal will need to be approved by Harvard's faculty before being implemented ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

The takeaway

Harvard's proposed grading cap is a response to growing concerns about grade inflation across higher education, which has made it increasingly difficult for employers and graduate schools to assess the true academic performance of students. The move aims to restore the meaning and distinction of a Harvard degree.