Harvard University reported an average GPA of 3.83 for its Class of 2025, indicating a rise in grade inflation where students received A or A-minus grades in most courses. Alongside Harvard, other institutions like Yale also exhibit similar trends, with nearly 80% of grades awarded in the top range. This issue raises concerns about the actual learning taking place at these elite colleges, suggesting that the inflated grades may undermine the value of education and qualifications granted by these institutions.

The trend of grade inflation has been observed not only in Ivy League schools but throughout the education system, including public universities and K-12 institutions, where grades have risen significantly without a corresponding increase in standardized test scores. This raises questions about educational integrity, as students may graduate with high marks that do not accurately reflect their critical thinking and practical skills necessary for their professions.

Many critics argue that by not addressing the phenomenon of grade inflation, institutions of higher education risk devaluing their diplomas and the overall educational experience. The implications of this trend are profound, as they affect employers' perceptions of graduates and challenge the credibility of the academic system as a whole, urging universities to reconsider grading standards and their impact on future generations of learners.