How GPA Works at Florida State University
At Florida State University, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a number that reflects your academic performance based on the grades you earn in your courses. It’s calculated on a 4.0 scale, which is the standard in most U.S. universities.
Each letter grade you earn corresponds to a specific number of grade points. FSU then averages these points based on the credit hours assigned to each course to come up with your semester GPA and cumulative GPA.
FSU Grade Scale and Grade Points
Here’s the breakdown of letter grades and their equivalent grade points at Florida State:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A– | 3.75 |
| B+ | 3.25 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B– | 2.75 |
| C+ | 2.25 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C– | 1.75 |
| D+ | 1.25 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D– | 0.75 |
| F | 0.00 |
A course graded with a “P” (Pass) or “S” (Satisfactory) doesn’t affect your GPA—those are non-graded credits. On the flip side, grades like “U” (Unsatisfactory) and “I” (Incomplete) may impact your academic standing, depending on your college’s policies.
How GPA Is Calculated at FSU
To calculate your GPA:
- Multiply the grade points for each class by the number of credit hours for that course.
- Add up all those quality points.
- Divide the total by the number of credit hours attempted (excluding pass/fail and other non-GPA-impacting courses).
Example:
If you take 3 classes:
- A (4.0) in a 3-credit course = 12 points
- B+ (3.25) in a 4-credit course = 13 points
- C (2.0) in a 3-credit course = 6 points
Total Points = 31
Total Credits = 10
GPA = 31 ÷ 10 = 3.10
Department-Specific Grading Policies
While the general GPA system is consistent across FSU, some departments—especially in areas like Engineering, Nursing, and Business—have higher minimum grade requirements or specific progression rules. For instance:
- College of Business may require at least a “C–” in prerequisite courses to continue in the major.
- College of Nursing often has stricter GPA cutoffs for program progression and clinical eligibility.
- STEM majors may use departmental GPA for honors or continuation in upper-division coursework.
Always check your major’s academic map or departmental handbook to make sure you’re in the know.
Academic Standing at FSU
Your cumulative GPA affects your academic standing:
- Good Standing: 2.0 GPA or higher
- Academic Probation: Below 2.0 GPA
- Academic Dismissal: If GPA doesn’t improve while on probation
FSU offers resources like academic advising and tutoring to help you bounce back if you’re struggling.