* The university itself: Highly selective universities (Ivy League, top research institutions) will have a much higher average GPA among their students than less selective universities. A "good" average at one might be considered mediocre at another.
* The specific program: Engineering programs, for instance, often have higher average GPAs than humanities programs, reflecting the different grading curves and difficulty levels.
* The grading system: Some universities use different grading scales (e.g., 4.0, 5.0, percentage-based). A 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale is excellent, but the equivalent percentage and GPA on a different scale will vary.
* Your individual goals: If you're aiming for graduate school or a highly competitive job, you'll need a much higher average than if you're simply aiming for graduation.
Generally speaking:
* A GPA of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is often considered good or excellent at most universities. This puts you in the top portion of your class.
* A GPA of 3.0-3.4 is usually considered a good average. This indicates solid academic performance.
* A GPA below 3.0 might be considered average or below average, depending on the university and program.
Ultimately, focus less on achieving a specific number and more on consistent effort, understanding the material, and demonstrating your abilities. A strong academic record is built on more than just a GPA.