How GPA Is Defined at Columbia University
Columbia University calculates grade point average (GPA) by assigning numeric grade points to letter grades and dividing the total grade points earned by the total number of graded credits attempted. GPA is weighted by course credit value. Only courses graded with standard letter grades are included in GPA calculations. Grades recorded without grade points appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Columbia College undergraduates | Graduate programs with non-standard grading systems |
| School of General Studies undergraduates | Professional schools using alternate GPA scales |
| Students in programs using standard A–F grading | Courses graded Pass/Fail, R, or W |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Enter only courses with completed letter grades
- Use the official course credit values
- Exclude Pass, Withdrawn, and Registered grades
- Separate undergraduate and graduate coursework
This calculator is intended to match the official undergraduate GPA calculated by the Columbia University Registrar for programs using the standard grading scale.
Types of GPA Reported at Columbia University
Columbia University officially reports:
- Term GPA, calculated for an individual academic term
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all graded coursework
Not all students will see all GPA types, and grading systems vary by school. This calculator matches the standard undergraduate cumulative GPA where applicable.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using letter grades converted to numeric grade points and weighted by course credits. Only coursework taken at Columbia University with standard letter grades is included in GPA calculations.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | Yes | 4.33 scale | Standard A–F grading |
| School of General Studies | Yes | 4.33 scale | Standard A–F grading |
| Engineering (SEAS) | Yes | 4.33 scale | School-specific grading policies may apply |
| Professional Schools | Varies | Varies | May not use standard GPA |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.33 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.67 |
| C+ | 2.33 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.67 |
| D | 1.00 |
| F | 0.00 |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded Columbia courses | Pass/Fail courses |
| Courses earning credit toward degree | Withdrawn (W) |
| Courses graded A–F | Registered (R) |
Miscounts most often occur when non-graded courses are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Columbia University
Each course contributes to GPA in proportion to its credit value. Courses with higher credit values have a greater impact on GPA than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula:
Total Grade Points ÷ Total Graded Credits = GPA
Example:
A student earns:
- 3 credits with an A
- 4 credits with a B+
- 3 credits with a B
Grade points are multiplied by credits, summed, and divided by total graded credits to produce the GPA.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, the original grade is normally used in GPA calculations. If the original grade was an F, both attempts may be included. Course repeats appear on the transcript regardless of GPA treatment.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA. These include Pass, Withdrawn, and Registered grades.
Graduate GPA
Graduate grading policies vary by school and program. Some graduate programs use alternate grading scales or report GPA differently. This calculator does not apply to graduate programs unless the program explicitly uses the standard A–F grading system.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass or Withdrawn courses
- Mixing undergraduate and graduate grading systems
- Ignoring course credit weighting
- Using unofficial grade point conversions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Columbia University cap GPA at 4.0?
No. Columbia University assigns grade points up to 4.33 for an A+. GPA reflects the weighted average of all grade points earned.
Do Pass/Fail courses affect GPA?
No. Pass/Fail courses do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are transfer courses included in Columbia GPA?
No. Transfer coursework may appear on the transcript but does not count toward Columbia GPA.
Are graduate GPAs calculated the same as undergraduate GPAs?
Not always. Graduate programs may use different grading scales or GPA calculations depending on the school.
If I repeat a course, which grade counts?
In most cases, the original grade is used. Special rules apply if the original grade was an F.
Related Official University Links
- Columbia University Registrar — Student Grades
https://registrar.columbia.edu/content/student-grades - Columbia College Academic Policies — Grades
https://bulletin.columbia.edu/columbia-college/academic-policies/grades/ - School of General Studies Academic Policies — Grades
https://bulletin.columbia.edu/general-studies/academic-policies/grades/ - Graduate School Academic Policies
https://bulletin.columbia.edu/graduate/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available Columbia University academic policies. Official transcripts and Registrar determinations govern all final GPA calculations.