College grade point average as a personnel selection device: Ethnic group differences and potential adverse impact

College grade point average (GPA) is often used in a variety of ways in per sonnel selection. Unfortunately, there is Little empirical research literat ure in human resource management that informs researchers or practitioners about the magnitude of ethnic group differences and any potential adverse i mpact implications when using cumulative GPA for selection. Data from a med ium-sized university in the Southeast (N = 7,498) indicate that the standar dized average Black-White difference for cumulative GPA in the senior year is d = 0.78. The authors also conducted analyses at 3 GPA screens (3.00, 3. 25, and 3.50) to demonstrate that employers (or educators) might face adver se impact at all 3 levels if GPA continues to be implemented as part of a s election system. Implications and future research are discussed.