Harvard Faculty Votes on Proposal to Cap A Grades at 20% to Curb Inflation

Harvard University faculty are voting on a controversial proposal to limit A grades to no more than 20% of students plus four additional individuals per class. This initiative aims to address severe grade inflation, with nearly 60% of grades awarded as As in the academic year ending mid-2025, more than double the 2006 rate. The debate has attracted significant political attention, with conservatives and Trump administration officials arguing that current grading practices undermine merit-based evaluation. While supporters, including professor Jason Furman, contend that inflation devalues academic distinctions, student opposition is strong. A survey indicated that 85% of undergraduates oppose the cap, citing concerns over increased stress, heightened competition, and the potential discouragement of taking challenging courses. Some faculty members also worry the policy could hinder Harvard's ability to attract top talent. The outcome is closely watched by other elite institutions, as Harvard’s decision could set a precedent for higher education grading standards nationwide. If approved, the new grading limits would take effect in the 2027 academic year, potentially replacing GPA-based awards with percentile rankings.