Everybody wants to know the shortcut. What’s the easiest course to get? There’s always that one friend who seems to coast through college, barely breaking a sweat, and still rakes in those glossy A’s while the rest of us are mainlining coffee and pulling all-nighters. The real trick, though, isn’t just about being a genius or slacking off — it’s about picking the right classes. So, which courses actually feel like a walk in the park for average students?
How Colleges Define an “Easy” Course
You’d think it’s all about the content, right? But what makes a class feel easy goes way beyond memorizing terms. The grading curve, the professor’s teaching style, the workload, class format, and even your personal knack for a subject play crazy big roles. For a lot of students, "easy" means not drowning in assignments or lectures that leave you nodding off. Some colleges even have unofficial lists of “GPA booster” classes that have developed a reputation for being, well, chill.
Professors can make or break a class. Lots of students swap stories about that one teacher who gives open-book tests or lets the whole class collaborate. In a big survey from the National Survey of Student Engagement, students shouted out courses with lots of group projects and participation grades as the most stress-free. These classes also tend to require less cramming for closed-book exams, a major plus if you want to get by with less anxiety and still snag a high GPA.
The internet loves to tell you that “Introduction to Psychology” or “Film Studies 101” are no-brainers, but the reality? Even these can get brutal if the prof loves pop quizzes or essay marathons. That’s why campus legends about the easiest classes can’t beat your own eyes: always look up recent course reviews. Websites like Rate My Professors, or your school’s student forums, spill all the juicy info students wish they knew before signing up. Reviews will tell you if the "easy" class last year has a new instructor who’s known for being extra tough.
Another key? Class size and format. Large lecture classes sometimes mean anonymous grading and generous curves, but small classes might offer you more one-on-one support, which can make things simpler (or lessen the pressure since it’s almost impossible to fade into the background).
| Element | Makes Classes Seem Easier |
|---|---|
| Professor’s Grading Style | Partial credit, open book, group work, lenient rubrics |
| Workload | Few big assignments, light homework, flexible deadlines |
| Type of Assessments | Group projects, class discussions, creative tasks, participation boosts |
| Class Format | Asynchronous online, hybrid, or project-based instead of lecture/exam heavy |
The All-Time Favorite Easy Courses (And Why They’re Chosen)
So, what always lands at the top of students' "easiest courses" lists? It’s not just random electives; there’s real strategy here. Classes like “Art Appreciation,” “Public Speaking,” “Introduction to Film,” and “Music Appreciation” almost always score high for ease. The big reason? Professors in these departments usually care less about rigid grading and more about student creativity or participation. Students who aren’t big on memorizing tiny details find the breathing room here makes a massive difference.
Look at “Introduction to Sociology.” It sounds intimidating, but it’s mostly about chatting, relating real-life news, and applying theories to stuff you already know. Professors there often reward honest effort, attendance, and some critical thinking—no deep math or tricky labs. Easy, right? “Physical Education” or “Wellness” classes—sometimes literally just walking, yoga, or light group exercise—might also count toward your GPA. Multiple universities report that students taking courses in mindfulness, nutrition, or even stress management almost never fail (unless they skip every class).
Here’s another wild fact: Several universities, including big names like Ohio State and Arizona State, run popular intro classes in wines, coffee appreciation, or even ice cream science. These quirky options sometimes fill up so fast that students have to race to register. Why? The content is fun, there are often taste tests or practical demos, and final grades often come from simple reports or participation rather than exams.
Some colleges offer “Special Topics” courses that change each term based on what faculty want to teach. These can be gold mines for simplicity—one term you might see “Disney and American Culture” or “Superheroes in Literature.” Grading typically centers on attendance, light reading, and maybe a project or two, so they’re often low pressure. Just keep in mind: Some of these classes are pass/fail and don’t boost your GPA much, so weigh your options if you’re chasing top marks.
| Popular "Easy" Courses | Why Students Like Them |
|---|---|
| Art/Music Appreciation | Creative tasks, fewer tests, friendly grading |
| Physical Education | Activity-based, emphasis on attendance |
| Film Studies | Watch films, group discussions, simple essays |
| Intro to Sociology | Real-world connections, participation counts |
Does an Easy Course Actually Help Your GPA?
Plenty of students hope easy classes will save a sinking GPA or balance out harder science or math classes. It sounds simple, but it works better in theory than in practice. Sometimes, “easier” courses are graded on weird scales, or professors grade more harshly than you’d expect. That’s why smart students keep an eye on the course syllabus before they even enroll. Pay special attention to how much your final mark depends on things like participation, projects, or exams. If you’re more of a talker than a test-taker, avoid exam-heavy classes—even if everyone swears they’re easy.
Campus data shows that classes with high rates of A’s usually come with larger-than-average workloads in group projects or presentations, which some introverted students hate. On the flip side, a chill class with 95% As can fill up with students missing deadlines because they don’t take it seriously. So, if you want that easy A, treat the class like any other. Show up, meet the basic requirements, and don’t skip the “little” assignments that might add up to your whole grade.
If your school operates on a pass/fail system for some electives, that could be a stress-buster. You can try something new (like creative writing or acting) without hurting your GPA—just make sure these courses actually count toward your graduation requirements. Always check with your academic advisor so you don’t waste time on a fun but pointless class.
Let’s get specific: a 2021 internal report from Texas Tech showed that “Intro to Popular Music,” “Introduction to the Theatre,” and “Appreciation of the Arts” had average GPAs of 3.7 or higher, while big mandatory courses like “Introductory Economics” struggled to crack 2.9. Trends are similar at most big state schools. Easy classes with “Appreciation,” “Introduction,” or “Basics” in their title usually have a better shot at letting you coast on participation and basic effort alone.
How to Spot the Truly Easiest Course for YOU
This one’s all about knowing yourself. What’s easy for your buddy isn’t always a breeze for you. If reading and writing are your superpowers, humanities or communication classes will probably feel like a vacation. Can’t stand essay writing, but don’t mind group projects? Classes in media studies, marketing, or event planning get you working with others and not staring at a blank page until midnight.
Don’t just pick a class because it’s “known” as easy. Sit down and peek at the course outline or syllabus if you can. Look for keywords like “participation,” “reflection papers,” “attendance,” or “group work.” If the word “midterm” or “final exam” pops up everywhere, maybe give it a second thought unless you’re a good test-taker.
Talk to upperclassmen. They’ve survived everything already and love nothing more than saving newbies a ton of pain. Ask pointed questions like: “What’s the workload?”, “Are there a lot of readings and papers?”, “Is attendance required every session?”, and “Does the professor actually mark hard or mostly give everyone a B+ and move on?”
One insider tip? Don’t forget to check the time of day and format. Some online classes have super flexible schedules that let you breeze through materials at your own pace, making them much easier than in-person courses for people who work or juggle family commitments. Hybrid courses (half in-person/half online) are another sweet spot for lots of students who want structure but not the pressure of weekly face time.
If you’ve got a trick memory or love trivia, go with “Intro” courses from any department. Intro to Anthropology or World Religions rarely require memorizing nitty-gritty details and instead focus on bigger themes and ideas. These classes sometimes include optional extra credit if you show up for a campus event or museum trip—easy points if you’re already interested!
Tips, Tricks, and Cautions for the GPA-Boosting Game
Gunning for the easiest college courses is almost a tradition, but there are traps. Don’t let a “reputation” fool you if you’re short on time: check prerequisites so you don’t land in a course way above your skill level. Beware those 8 a.m. classes, which feel easy until you’re hauling out of bed three times a week (and missing pop quizzes because you slept in).
- Always check your college’s grading breakdown before picking an easy class. “Quiz every week” adds up way faster than a single essay or two.
- Use the add/drop period. If the first week feels tough, swap fast. Most colleges let you test the waters with no penalty.
- Don’t ignore workload just because the content seems chill. Lots of tiny assignments can overwhelm just as much as big exams.
- Mix easy and tough courses. Balance your schedule so you’re not overloaded with all hard or all easy classes, which can mess with motivation or pace.
- Compare syllabi, read recent course reviews, and never sign up blind. Professors—and their grading styles—change every year.
- Pick courses you’re genuinely curious about. Nothing’s easier than being interested. Flow makes the work feel less like work.
It’s honestly wild how much luck, research, and honest self-reflection it takes to land in a truly easy class. There’s no universal answer, but sticking to electives and 100-level intro courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences is a strong bet. Just remember, easy classes aren’t slacker-proof. Anyone can bomb an assignment or tank participation if they get lazy. But with a little strategy (and some tips from fellow students), finding that sweet spot between effort and lazy-day lazing gets a whole lot less mysterious.
