by Robyn Keyster

Created on: November 17, 2009   Last Updated: November 21, 2009

Since college so often seems to be filled with endless rounds of partying, "blow-off" courses, and an overall atmosphere of laid-back hedonism, many students' grades often fall by the wayside. In addition, due to both the current lack of jobs and the decreasing worth of a bachelor's degree, students today are more apt than ever to question the value of their own GPA.

Do grades really matter in college? The answer, perhaps surprising to some, is: it depends.

Of course, if one is even remotely interested in obtaining an advanced degree, a good GPA is essential (given today's economy, all college students should be *extremely* interested in getting a graduate degree). Since so many out-of-work adults are returning to school, the competition for graduate programs is growing fiercer every day. A grade point average could mark the difference between two otherwise-qualified candidates. Furthermore, prospective graduate students will need letters of recommendation, usually the result of a good working relationship between student and professor. If an instructor notices that the grades of a "recomendee" aren't up to par, that coveted recommendation letter could prove less than helpful.

For those brave enough to try entering the job market right out of college, a good GPA can be extremely beneficial when listed (tastefully) on a resume. It can demonstrate competence in a field of study, especially for those who have little direct work experience in said field. It is also a measurable, calculable showing of smarts, which is always more useful than "good communication skills". A good GPA can also lead to admission into various college honor societies, themselves great bullet points on a resume.

A good GPA also has the added bonus of instilling and promoting academic discipline. For today's young adults, the ability to be a self-starter is a must. Not only are current college students derided for their lack of initiative, but they can also miss out on potential opportunities as a direct result of this lack. In any economic downturn, the jobs are going to those who can tough it out. The pursuit of good grades, then, is excellent practice for enduring any sort of professional long haul.

Of course, a student needn't graduate with a flawless academic record in order to be a productive member of society. If one gets a low grade in a tough class here or there, the results will likely not prove catastrophic.

Fortunately for slackers everywhere, there is one unique instance in which grades don't matter - or at least, they don't matter a whole lot. There are some fields in which a bachelor's degree, often in any subject, is all that is required for employment. Many sub-fields of education and law enforcement fit this category, and thus savvy students might spend their time working or interning instead of studying. Of course, the recession has made these fields ultra-competitive as well, and therefore grades will probably play a more important role in the near future.

While it's rarely necessary to achieve a 4.0 upon graduating, good college grades can and do benefit those who strive to obtain them.

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