How GPA Is Defined at Emory University
At Emory University, Grade-Point Average (GPA) is calculated using a 4.0 grading scale. Each letter grade is assigned a specific number of quality points per credit hour. The GPA is determined by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of credit hours that are eligible for GPA calculation. Certain grades carry credit but do not contribute quality points and are excluded from the GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Emory College of Arts & Sciences students | Courses graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory |
| Goizueta Business School students | Withdrawals without penalty (W) |
| Graduate programs using the standard Emory grading system | Incomplete grades until resolved |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Enter only letter grades that carry quality points under Emory’s grading system
- Exclude grades that do not affect GPA, such as S, U, W, or unresolved I
- Use the official credit hours assigned to each course
This calculator is intended to match Emory University’s standard term and cumulative GPA calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at Emory University
Emory University officially reports:
- Term GPA, calculated for an individual semester
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all GPA-eligible coursework
Not all students see all GPA types, and reporting may vary by school or program.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at Emory is calculated by converting letter grades to quality points, multiplying by course credit hours, and dividing the total quality points by total GPA-eligible credit hours. Only grades that carry quality points are included.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emory College of Arts & Sciences | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading policy |
| Goizueta Business School | Yes | 4.0 | Uses the Emory grading scale |
| Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing | Yes | 4.0 | School-specific policies may apply |
| Rollins School of Public Health | Yes | 4.0 | Confirm program-level rules |
Official GPA Scale
Emory University publishes the following grade-to-point scale for GPA calculation:
| 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
Grades such as S, U, W, and I do not carry quality points. IF and WF are treated as F for GPA purposes.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses A–F | Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades |
| IF and WF grades | Withdrawals (W) |
| Courses earning quality points | Unresolved Incomplete (I) grades |
Miscounts most often occur when non-GPA grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Emory University
Each course contributes to GPA in proportion to its credit hours. Courses with more credits have a greater impact because grade points are multiplied by credit hours before calculating the GPA.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Credit Hours
Example:
- B+ in a 3-credit course = 9.9 quality points
- A in a 4-credit course = 16.0 quality points
- B in a 3-credit course = 9.0 quality points
Total quality points: 34.9
Total GPA credit hours: 10
GPA: 3.49
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Policies governing course repeats, grade replacement, or forgiveness are established at the school or program level. These rules determine how repeated grades appear on transcripts and whether they affect GPA.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the official transcript but are excluded from GPA calculations. Only grades assigned quality points are used in the GPA formula.
Graduate GPA
Graduate programs at Emory University generally use the 4.0 grading scale when GPA is reported. However, GPA calculation and reporting may vary by graduate school or program. Students should rely on their specific graduate academic policies.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S, U, or W grades in GPA calculations
- Forgetting that IF and WF are counted as F
- Calculating GPA before Incomplete grades are resolved
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Emory treat Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses in GPA?
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory courses do not affect GPA. These grades carry credit but no quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are Withdrawals included in Emory GPA?
Withdrawals without penalty are not included in GPA. They appear on the transcript but carry no grade points.
Do Incomplete grades affect GPA?
Incomplete grades are excluded from GPA until they are resolved to a letter grade that carries quality points.
Does Emory use different GPA scales for undergraduate and graduate students?
Emory uses a 4.0 grading scale for both undergraduate and graduate programs when GPA is reported, subject to program-specific policies.
How are IF and WF grades counted?
IF and WF grades are treated as failing grades and are calculated as F in the GPA.
Are high school AP or honors weightings applied to Emory GPA?
No. Emory GPA is calculated solely from college coursework using the university grading scale.
Related Official University Links
- Emory University Academic Catalog — Grading System
https://catalog.college.emory.edu/policies/grading.html - Emory University Registrar — Academic Records and GPA
https://registrar.emory.edu/records/grades.html - Emory University Graduate School Academic Policies
https://gsas.emory.edu/resources/policies/index.html
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available Emory University registrar and academic catalog documentation. Official transcripts and registrar records govern all final GPA calculations.