education
Harvard faculty votes to limit number of A's awarded, aiming to combat grade inflation
Updated on: May 20, 2026 / 11:18 PM EDT / CBS Boston
TL;DR
- Harvard faculty voted to cap A grades at 20% of students per class, plus an additional four.
- The new policy, effective Fall 2027, aims to combat grade inflation and make grades more meaningful.
- A grades accounted for 60% of undergraduate grades in 2025, up from 20% in 2005.
- Students expressed concerns about increased competition and potential disadvantages for graduate school applications.
- The dean of undergraduate education praised the vote for strengthening academic culture.