How GPA Is Defined at Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University calculates GPA using the Quality Point Average (QPA). QPA is defined as the total number of quality points earned divided by the total number of units factorable for GPA. Quality points are earned only in courses that receive letter grades. Courses graded pass/no pass, withdrawn, or audited do not generate quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students with letter-graded courses | Pass/No Pass (P/N) courses |
| Graduate students with letter-graded courses | Audit courses |
| Degree-seeking students with posted final grades | Withdrawals (W) |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use only courses with final letter grades.
- Enter the official unit value assigned to each course.
- Exclude courses graded P, N, W, Audit, or Incomplete.
- Confirm grades are final and posted.
This calculator is intended to match the official Quality Point Average (QPA) reported by Carnegie Mellon University.
Types of GPA Reported at Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon reports a Quality Point Average (QPA) for academic performance. Only courses that earn quality points are included. Not all students will see all GPA types, depending on enrollment status and grading options. This calculator matches the registrar-reported QPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at Carnegie Mellon is calculated using all completed courses that receive letter grades and earn quality points. Courses taken under alternative grading options are excluded.
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | Quality Point Average (QPA) | Only letter-graded courses factor |
| Pass/No Pass courses | No | No GPA reported | Credit only, no quality points |
Official GPA Scale
Carnegie Mellon University does not publish an official numeric grade-to-point scale in publicly available registrar or academic policy documentation. While each letter grade carries a quality point value, those numeric values are provided on official transcripts and internal records rather than in published policy. As a result, no grade-point table is included here.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses | Pass/No Pass (P/N) |
| Repeated courses with letter grades | Audit |
| Failing letter grades | Withdrawn (W) |
| Undergraduate and graduate letter-graded courses | Incomplete (I) until resolved |
Miscounts most often occur when transcript-visible grades that do not earn quality points are mistakenly included in GPA calculations.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Carnegie Mellon
Each course contributes to GPA based on its unit value. Course units are multiplied by the quality point value of the letter grade earned. Higher-unit courses therefore have a greater impact on the overall QPA.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula
QPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Units Factorable for GPA
- Total Quality Points = sum of (course units × quality point value of the final grade)
- Total Units Factorable = sum of units for all letter-graded courses included in GPA
Example
A student completes:
- Course A: 9 units, letter grade with quality point value X
- Course B: 12 units, letter grade with quality point value Y
Total Quality Points = (9 × X) + (12 × Y)
Total Units Factorable = 21
QPA = Total Quality Points ÷ 21
Quality point values should be taken directly from the grading legend on the official transcript.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
All course attempts appear on the official transcript. Repeated courses that receive letter grades each contribute quality points and are included in the GPA calculation. No grade replacement policy is documented at the university level.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA because they do not earn quality points. These include pass/no pass grades, withdrawals, audits, and unresolved incompletes.
Graduate GPA
Graduate students receive a Quality Point Average when enrolled in letter-graded coursework. GPA reporting practices may vary by program or school, but GPA is calculated using the same quality point framework when letter grades are assigned. Not all graduate programs report GPA.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including pass/no pass courses in GPA calculations
- Using unofficial grade-point scales instead of transcript values
- Counting incomplete or withdrawn courses toward GPA
- Forgetting that all letter-graded repeats are included
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA does Carnegie Mellon use?
Carnegie Mellon uses a Quality Point Average (QPA). QPA reflects the weighted average of quality points earned in letter-graded courses based on unit value.
Does Carnegie Mellon publish a GPA scale?
No. The university does not publicly publish a numeric grade-to-quality-point table in registrar policy documents. Official point values appear on transcripts.
Do pass/no pass classes affect GPA?
No. Pass/no pass courses do not earn quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are withdrawn courses included in GPA?
No. Withdrawn courses appear on the transcript but do not generate quality points and do not affect GPA.
How are repeated courses handled in GPA?
All letter-graded attempts are included in the GPA. Carnegie Mellon does not document a grade replacement policy.
Do graduate students have a GPA?
Graduate students receive a GPA only if their program uses letter grading. Some programs may not report GPA.
Related Official University Links
- Carnegie Mellon University Registrar
https://www.cmu.edu/hub/registrar/ - Carnegie Mellon University Grading Policy
https://www.cmu.edu/policies/student-and-student-life/grading.html - The HUB — Grade Options and Academic Records
https://www.cmu.edu/hub/registrar/grade-options/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available Carnegie Mellon University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and registrar determinations govern final GPA outcomes.