How GPA Is Defined at Cornell University
Cornell University calculates Grade Point Average (GPA) using a 4.3 quality-point scale for letter-graded courses. GPA reflects the weighted average of course grades multiplied by credit hours, divided by the total number of credits attempted with letter grades.
Grades that do not carry quality-point values, including S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory), INC (Incomplete), NG or NGR (No Grade), R (In Progress), and audited courses, are not included in GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students taking letter-graded Cornell courses | Courses graded S/U or audit |
| Graduate students in programs that report GPA | Courses with INC, NG/NGR, or R grades |
| Students enrolled in Cornell colleges using the standard grading system | Transfer coursework not included in Cornell GPA |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses, confirm the following:
- Each course is graded with a letter grade that carries quality points
- Credit hours match the official course listing
- Non-GPA grades such as S/U, INC, NG, NGR, R, and audit are excluded
This calculator is intended to match Cornell-reported semester and cumulative GPA values.
Types of GPA Reported at Cornell University
Cornell University officially reports the following GPA types:
- Semester GPA, reflecting performance within a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA, reflecting performance across all completed terms
Not all students or programs display every GPA type, but this calculator aligns with Cornell’s official GPA definitions.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using only completed courses that receive letter grades with quality-point values. GPA is computed by multiplying the quality-point value of each grade by the course’s credit hours, summing those totals, and dividing by the total number of graded credits attempted.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.3 scale | College-level grading rules apply uniformly to GPA calculation |
| S/U or audited courses | No | No GPA reported | These courses appear on transcripts but do not affect GPA |
Official GPA Scale
Cornell University uses a 4.3 quality-point grading scale. Letter grades are assigned the following values:
| Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.3 |
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D- | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses with quality points | S/U graded courses |
| Completed courses with final grades | Audited courses |
| Courses graded A+ through F | INC, NG, NGR, and R grades |
Miscounts most often occur when non-letter grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Cornell University
Each course contributes to GPA proportionally based on its credit value. Courses with more credit hours carry greater weight in GPA calculations than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
Cornell GPA is calculated using the official formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Graded Credit Hours
Example:
- 3-credit course with grade A (4.0) = 12.0 quality points
- 4-credit course with grade B+ (3.3) = 13.2 quality points
- 3-credit course with grade C (2.0) = 6.0 quality points
Total quality points: 31.2
Total graded credits: 10
GPA: 3.12
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Cornell does not publish a single university-wide grade replacement policy. Rules regarding repeated courses and GPA impact vary by college or program. Both original and repeated grades may appear on transcripts depending on program policy.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Not all transcript entries affect GPA. Grades such as INC, NG, NGR, R, S, and U appear on transcripts but do not carry quality-point values and therefore do not factor into GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA policies vary by program and college. Some graduate programs report GPA using the same 4.3 scale, while others may use alternative evaluation systems. Not all graduate programs calculate or display GPA.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S/U or audited courses in GPA calculations
- Counting incomplete or in-progress grades before they are finalized
- Using non-Cornell grading scales when estimating GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA scale does Cornell University use?
Cornell uses a 4.3 quality-point GPA scale. Letter grades are assigned specific point values that are weighted by course credit hours.
Does an A+ increase my GPA at Cornell?
Yes. An A+ is worth 4.3 quality points and can raise GPA above 4.0 if earned in eligible courses.
Do S/U courses affect my Cornell GPA?
No. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses do not carry quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are transfer credits included in my Cornell GPA?
No. Transfer courses may count toward degree requirements but do not factor into Cornell GPA calculations.
Do incomplete grades count toward GPA?
No. Incomplete grades do not affect GPA until they are resolved and converted to letter grades.
Is GPA calculated the same for all colleges at Cornell?
The GPA scale is consistent, but grading rules and repeat policies may vary by college or program.
Related Official University Links
- Cornell University Registrar — Exams and Grading
https://courses.cornell.edu/enrollment-credit-requirements/exams-grading/ - Cornell University Academic Catalog
https://courses.cornell.edu/ - Cornell University Registrar — Transcripts and Records
https://registrar.cornell.edu/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This page is based exclusively on publicly available Cornell University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and registrar records govern all final GPA determinations.