Understanding GPA at Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech uses a traditional 4.0 grading scale to calculate a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points you earn by the total number of credit hours you attempted. Only courses taken at Georgia Tech count toward your institutional GPA—not transfer credits.
You’ll see your GPA split into several categories on your transcript:
- Institutional GPA – Includes only Georgia Tech coursework.
- Cumulative GPA – Also includes repeated courses (if allowed).
- Term GPA – GPA for one semester only.
Georgia Tech Grade Scale
Here’s how grades translate to GPA points at Tech:
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
| S/U | Not counted in GPA |
| I (Incomplete) | Not counted until resolved |
| W (Withdrawn) | Not included in GPA |
Georgia Tech does not use plus or minus modifiers (e.g., B+ or A−), which simplifies calculations—no need to worry about a 3.3 or a 3.7. A B is a 3.0, period.
Special GPA Rules and Notes
Repeated Courses
If you retake a course at Georgia Tech, both attempts remain on your transcript, and both grades are factored into your GPA. The university does not replace grades. Choose retakes carefully—don’t expect to erase a D with an A.
Pass/Fail and Audit
- Pass/Fail (S/U) grades won’t impact your GPA.
- You must get permission to take a course pass/fail.
- Audited courses (marked with a “V”) also do not count toward your GPA or graduation.
Departmental and Faculty GPA Policies
Most programs at Georgia Tech follow the university-wide 4.0 scale, but some majors and colleges may have additional GPA requirements for progression, retention, or graduation. Here are some examples:
Scheller College of Business
- Students must maintain a 2.3 GPA in major-specific courses for progression.
College of Engineering
- Minimum 2.0 GPA required in core courses to remain in good standing.
College of Computing
- Requires a 2.7 GPA in CS foundation courses to move from pre-CS to full CS major.
Students in these colleges should monitor program-specific GPA standards on top of the institutional GPA.
GPA Calculation Example
Let’s say in one semester you took:
- MATH 1551 (4 credits) – A (4.0)
- ENGL 1101 (3 credits) – B (3.0)
- CS 1301 (3 credits) – C (2.0)
- HIST 2111 (3 credits) – A (4.0)
GPA = (4×4 + 3×3 + 3×2 + 3×4) / (4 + 3 + 3 + 3)
= (16 + 9 + 6 + 12) / 13 = 43 / 13 ≈ 3.31
Final Tips for Success
- Keep tabs on your GPA via BuzzPort (Tech’s online portal).
- Use DegreeWorks to see how your GPA affects graduation progress.
- Reach out to your academic advisor early if your GPA dips below 2.0—this could trigger academic probation or hold your registration.