Karadag, E.Ciftci, S.K.2025-02-152025-02-1520250018-1560https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-025-01404-4Numerous reputable studies have reported a significant grade increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. These short-term increases cannot be attributed to student achievement, suggesting that the pandemic has precipitated grade inflation. In this study, we examine the temporary and permanent effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on grade inflation in higher education. We analyze 954,389 student grades for 16,962 courses taught by 5916 instructors in five universities in Türkiye over 6 years (12 semesters) before, during, and post the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a marginal increase in grades in higher education and that this increase was primarily sustained post-pandemic. FD (0.5) and FF (0.0) grades decreased during and post-pandemic compared to the before-pandemic period, while the highest grade, AA (4.00), increased. Furthermore, we observed that grades in online courses, which became prevalent especially post-pandemic, were significantly higher than in face-to-face classes. Based on these results, we conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected grade inflation in higher education. © The Author(s) 2025.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessCovid-19Grade InflationHigher EducationOnline EducationArticleWOS:00140946030000110.1007/s10734-025-01404-42-s2.0-85217428669Q1Q10