2024 National Data Study
Average High School GPA by State
Grade inflation is real. The national average high school GPA has risen from 2.68 in 1990 to an estimated 3.11 today. We analyzed data across all 50 states to see where grade inflation is highest, and where grading standards remain tough.
3.11
National Average
Mass.
Highest Average GPA
+0.43
Increase since 1990
State-by-State Breakdown
| Rank | State | Average Unweighted GPA |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts | 3.42 |
| #2 | Connecticut | 3.39 |
| #3 | New Jersey | 3.37 |
| #4 | Virginia | 3.35 |
| #5 | Maryland | 3.34 |
| #6 | Colorado | 3.32 |
| #7 | New York | 3.31 |
| #8 | Pennsylvania | 3.29 |
| #9 | Washington | 3.28 |
| #10 | Minnesota | 3.26 |
| #11 | Illinois | 3.25 |
| #12 | California | 3.24 |
| #13 | Florida | 3.23 |
| #14 | North Carolina | 3.21 |
| #15 | Texas | 3.20 |
| #45 | Nevada | 2.98 |
| #46 | New Mexico | 2.96 |
| #47 | Louisiana | 2.95 |
| #48 | Alabama | 2.92 |
| #49 | Mississippi | 2.90 |
| #50 | West Virginia | 2.88 |
Data aggregated from NAEP transcript studies, NCES reports, and standardized testing board demographic data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know, based on what students are asking right now.
The national average high school GPA in the United States is currently estimated at 3.11 (a 'B' average). This is up significantly from a 2.68 average in 1990, demonstrating widespread grade inflation across the country.
A 3.0 GPA is just below the national average of 3.11. While it is good enough to get accepted into many state colleges and universities, it is typically not competitive enough for highly selective or Ivy League schools.
State GPA averages vary wildly due to different state-wide grading policies, standardized testing requirements, education funding levels, and local school board mandates regarding grade inflation and credit recovery programs.
Yes! College admissions officers look at your high school profile. They understand if you come from a state or district with massive grade inflation vs. a district with harsh grading standards, and they recalculate your GPA accordingly.
States like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Alabama historically rank lower in average high school GPA, often hovering around the 2.8 - 2.9 mark due to a combination of socioeconomic factors and educational funding disparities.