How GPA Is Defined at University of Colorado Boulder
At CU Boulder, the grade point average (GPA) is computed on a 4.0 letter-grade scale. Each letter grade included in GPA has a corresponding grade point value (for example, A = 4.0, B+ = 3.3). GPA is calculated by multiplying the grade points for each graded course by its credit hours, summing these credit points, and dividing by the total credit hours attempted in graded courses. Only courses with standard letter grades (A–F) are included. Grades such as P (Pass), NC (No Credit), I (Incomplete), W (Withdrawn), and IP (In Progress) are excluded. CU Boulder maintains separate GPAs for undergraduate, graduate, and law careers.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate CU Boulder students | Courses graded P, NC, W, I, or IP |
| Graduate CU Boulder students | Law career GPA or professional school scales |
| Students calculating term or cumulative GPA | Transfer coursework |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Collect all CU Boulder courses with standard letter grades and assigned credit hours
- Exclude courses graded Pass/No Credit, Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, Withdrawn, Incomplete, or In Progress
- Confirm whether any repeated courses qualify for grade replacement
This calculator is designed to match CU Boulder’s official term and cumulative GPA calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Colorado Boulder
- Term GPA: GPA calculated for a single semester or session
- Cumulative GPA: GPA calculated across all graded coursework within the same academic career
Not all students see all GPA types. This calculator aligns with the undergraduate and graduate GPAs reported by the Registrar.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA includes all CU Boulder courses taken for standard letter grades within the undergraduate career. Courses graded with non-GPA symbols are excluded. Certain repeated courses may qualify for grade replacement, affecting cumulative GPA calculations under defined conditions.
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Sciences | Yes | 4.0 scale | Standard GPA calculation |
| Leeds School of Business | Yes | 4.0 scale | School standing requirements may apply |
| College of Engineering & Applied Science | Yes | 4.0 scale | Major GPA requirements may also apply |
| Other undergraduate units | Yes | 4.0 scale | Unit policies may vary |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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 (A–F) | Pass (P) |
| Failed courses graded F | No Credit (NC) |
| Eligible repeated courses after grade replacement | Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) |
| Standard CU Boulder coursework | Withdrawn (W), Incomplete (I), In Progress (IP) |
Courses are commonly miscounted when non-letter grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Colorado Boulder
Credit hours determine the weight of each course in the GPA calculation. Courses with more credit hours contribute proportionally more to the GPA. Grade points are multiplied by credit hours to produce credit points for each course.
How GPA Is Calculated
GPA equals total credit points divided by total graded credit hours.
Example calculation:
A 3-credit A earns 12.0 points
A 3-credit B+ earns 9.9 points
A 4-credit C earns 8.0 points
Total credit points: 29.9
Total graded credits: 10
GPA: 2.99
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
CU Boulder allows grade replacement for certain undergraduate courses that are repeated. When eligibility requirements are met, the earlier grade is excluded from the cumulative GPA, while the course remains on the transcript.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the academic transcript but do not affect GPA calculations. Only standard letter grades contribute grade points toward the GPA.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated using the same grade scale and formula as undergraduate GPA. All standard letter-graded coursework is included. Program-level policies may set minimum GPA requirements for good academic standing.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass/No Credit or S/U courses in GPA calculations
- Forgetting to adjust GPA after an eligible grade replacement
- Using GPA scales that do not match CU Boulder policy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my semester GPA at CU Boulder?
Multiply each course’s grade point value by its credit hours, add the totals, and divide by the total graded credit hours for that semester.
Do Pass grades affect GPA at CU Boulder?
No. Pass grades do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations entirely.
What happens to an Incomplete grade?
An Incomplete does not affect GPA until a final letter grade is recorded. If unresolved, it may convert to an F and then affect GPA.
Does CU Boulder replace grades for repeated courses?
Yes. Eligible undergraduate courses may qualify for grade replacement, removing the earlier grade from cumulative GPA calculations.
Are transfer courses included in CU Boulder GPA?
No. Transfer coursework does not factor into the CU Boulder GPA.
Related Official University Links
- University of Colorado Boulder Office of the Registrar
https://www.colorado.edu/registrar/ - CU Boulder Undergraduate Catalog — Credits and Grading
https://catalog.colorado.edu/undergraduate/credits-grading/ - CU Boulder Grade Replacement Policy
https://www.colorado.edu/registrar/students/degree-planning/grade-replacement
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of Colorado Boulder academic policies. Official transcripts and Registrar records determine final GPA calculations.