Grade-Point-Average (GPA) Calculation
The grade point average (GPA) is the arithmetic mean of the grade points earned for all credits taken at the University of Arizona for University Credit or by Special Examination for Grade, where regular grades are awarded. Ordinarily, cumulative GPAs are calculated using only the courses at the career level of the student. For example, the undergraduate GPA is based on undergraduate courses only (see Graduate Credit for Seniors, Grade Replacement Opportunity, and Second Start, Academic Renewal for undergraduates or graduates for exceptions).
A term GPA reflects only the courses taken in that term. A cumulative GPA represents all courses taken in the student's career program (i.e., undergraduate and graduate programs will have a separate GPA). Classes taken for Pass/Fail, or classes transferred from another college or university are not factored into the GPA.
Many colleges calculate a GPA based on the core or major courses for that program and will have GPA minimums to satisfy program requirements.
Undergraduate, graduate, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and medicine programs use regular grades (A, B, C, D, E) that are included in the calculation of the grade point average. (Law, J.D. uses the regular scale with the addition of +/- grades).
Grade Point Values
Grade points for undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs (except Law J.D. grades) are assigned to each regular grade as follows: A = 4, B=3, C=2, D=1, E=0. A complete list of possible regular and alternative grades (including +/- Law J.D. grades), with their grade point values, can be found in the Grades and the Grading Systems policy.
For most undergraduate classes, a grade of D is the lowest passing grade that will earn course credit. However, some colleges and programs require a grade of C or better to satisfy the requirement for core or upper-division courses, or courses taken as a prerequisite. Students should contact an academic advisor for specific requirements for their program. Graduate and professional programs have specific requirements for passing grades, usually requiring a C or better to satisfy requirements and earn credit toward their degree.
How to Calculate a GPA
Grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of credits by the numeric value of the grade for each course. The sum of the grade points is then divided by the sum of the attempted graded units to get the GPA.
For example, this is the calculation of the term GPA for these completed courses:
This example shows an alternate process to calculate GPA, to find the cumulative GPA for the above fall and spring terms. Here we multiply the units represented by each grade by the number of points for that grade:
TOTAL GRADE POINTS ÷ TOTAL UNITS = CUMULATIVE GPA
In this example: 86 GRADE POINTS ÷ 31 UNITS = 2.77 Cumulative GPA
Repeating Courses, Replacing Grades
Students may attempt the same course no more than twice. Credit will be applied only once to the degree program unless the course is designated as repeatable for credit in the catalog. Courses that may be attempted again include courses completed with a passing or failing grade (i.e., C, D, E, S, P, F, I grades) or courses that were audited or withdrawn from (i.e., O, W, E, WO, XO grades).
Repeating a Course
When a completed course with a passing or failing grade is repeated, the cumulative grade point average (GPA) will reflect the grades earned in both the first and second attempts. Credit will be applied only once to the degree program, unless the course is designated repeatable for credit by the department.
Undergraduate Grade Replacement Opportunity (GRO)
Grade Replacement Opportunity (GRO) offers undergraduate students the chance to replace grades of C, D, or E by repeating the course. Grades earned using the GRO will replace one previous grade for the course in calculating the grade point average (GPA), even if the grade from the repeated attempt is lower than the first attempt. Both the original grade and the grade from the repeated attempt remain on the academic record. Courses eligible for GRO will be listed in the student's UAcces Student Center.
Programs such as Second Start Readmission (undergraduate), and Academic Renewal (graduate or undergraduate) allow for an opportunity to have previous coursework excluded from the student’s GPA.
Transfer Credit Grades and GPA
Grades for coursework transferred from another institution are not included in the University of Arizona GPA.
For information on coursework eligible for transfer to the University of Arizona, see the undergraduate, general education, and graduate transfer policies.
Credit or Grade by Special Examination
Special Examinations are constructed and administered by the department. There are two types of special examination:
- Special Examinations for Credit: Passing grades, recorded as "CR" (credit), become a permanent part of the student's record but are not used in computing the cumulative grade point average (GPA). Failing grades are not recorded.
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Special Examination for Grade: All grades, whether passing or failing, are permanently recorded and are used in computing the cumulative grade average.
Student Grades
Frequently Asked Questions
The grade of I may be awarded only at the end of a term, when the following criteria is met:
- all but a minor portion of the course work has been satisfactorily completed
- the student is unable to finish due to extenuating circumstances
-
it would be possible for the student to earn a passing grade once the remaining coursework is completed
Learn more about the Incomplete Grade process.
Yes, but you will have to change your degree date to the term in which you will complete the coursework for that course. All coursework (required or elective) must be complete on the day before the graduation date. Taking an incomplete in a course in your final semester means that you did not finish all coursework in time for your degree date.
Yes, but you will have to change your degree date to the term in which you will complete the coursework for that course. All coursework (required or elective) must be completed on the day before the graduation date. Taking an incomplete in a course in your final semester means that you did not finish all coursework in time for your degree date.
For most classes, a grade of D is the lowest passing grade that will earn course credit. Some colleges require a grade of C or better to receive credit for core or upper-division courses, or courses taken as a prerequisite.
Students should contact an academic advisor for specific requirements for their program.
Graduate and professional programs have specific requirements for passing grades.
A student may appeal their final course grade by using the following procedures. The current process, deadlines, and the grade appeal form are defined by the Office of the Registrar.
Prior to filing an official grade appeal, the student should discuss the concerns with the course instructor or faculty member responsible for the course. It is important for a student to initiate this conversation as soon as possible in order to meet the deadline should they choose to file an appeal.
If concerns over a course grade are not resolved satisfactorily after speaking with the instructor, students may file a grade appeal. Valid reasons for appeal include:
- violation of university policy
- failure to follow published course policies
- inconsistent grading within the student’s course section
- disagreement over factual accuracy of graded work
Invalid reasons for appeal include:
- disagreement with published course policies
- differences in grading policies between other courses or sections of the same course
- impact of disputed grade on student’s academic progress or eligibility
The steps of the grade appeal process are available at this link: Grade Appeal.
You may be eligible for a Grade Replacement Opportunity (GRO) or to repeat the class.
Review our GRO & Repeats page for information.
An "I" grade does not affect GPA unless it is changed to another letter grade once the remainder of the coursework is completed. For more information about the “I” grade please visit the webpage: https://catalog.arizona.edu/policy/courses-credit/grading/grading-system
Please contact reg-grade@arizona.edu.
Courses such as directed research, dissertation, or a thesis are for ongoing projects. Students are likely to enroll in multiple units across multiple terms. The grading of these types of units must follow the grading basis of the course, usually S/P/F.
- S = Superior (superior achievement and progress on said project has been made)
- P = Passing (student has made appropriate progress on their project)
- F = Failure (Student did not make progress on the project)
In most cases, students will earn a ‘P’ indicating the project is continuing and the student is making satisfactory progress.
Per policy, instructors have 48 hours after the final has been administered. Review our Reporting Final Grades page for information.