GPA at CU Boulder: How It Works
At CU Boulder, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is more than just a number—it’s a key part of your academic story. The university uses a 4.0 scale, meaning each letter grade corresponds to a specific number of grade points. Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted in graded courses.
CU Boulder computes both term GPA (for each semester) and cumulative GPA (all coursework combined), and both appear on your official transcript.
CU Boulder’s GPA/Grade Scale
Here’s how grades convert to grade points at CU Boulder:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A− | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B− | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C− | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D− | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
| P (Pass) | Not calculated |
| NC (No Credit) | Not calculated |
| I (Incomplete) | Not calculated until resolved |
Note: Pass (P), No Credit (NC), and Incomplete (I) do not affect your GPA unless the Incomplete turns into a grade.
GPA Calculation Example
Let’s say you completed 4 classes this semester:
- A in a 3-credit class → 3 x 4.0 = 12.0
- B+ in a 3-credit class → 3 x 3.3 = 9.9
- C in a 4-credit class → 4 x 2.0 = 8.0
- A− in a 2-credit class → 2 x 3.7 = 7.4
Total Grade Points: 12 + 9.9 + 8 + 7.4 = 37.3
Total Credit Hours: 3 + 3 + 4 + 2 = 12
GPA = 37.3 ÷ 12 = 3.11
Department-Specific Grading Policies
CU Boulder allows individual colleges and schools to define their own academic standing policies, minimum GPAs, and grading nuances. Here are a few examples:
| College/Program | Notable Policy |
|---|---|
| Leeds School of Business | Requires at least a 2.0 GPA in both cumulative and business courses to remain in good standing. |
| College of Engineering & Applied Science | GPA minimums vary by major; probation occurs if GPA drops below 2.25. |
| Graduate School | Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or risk academic probation. |
| Law School | Uses a curve; most grades fall between 2.7–3.3 on a 4.3 scale (non-standard). |
Always consult your specific department or academic advisor for the most accurate guidance.
How to Stay in Good Standing
To remain in good academic standing at CU Boulder:
- Undergrads must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Graduates must keep a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Falling below these thresholds may result in academic alert, probation, or suspension.