Understanding GPA at the University of Kansas
The University of Kansas uses a 4.0 grading scale, which is pretty standard among U.S. universities. Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is the weighted average of your grades, calculated by multiplying the credit hours for each course by the grade points earned, then dividing by the total number of credit hours attempted.
KU calculates both semester GPA and cumulative GPA, and both are important for academic standing, scholarships, and graduation eligibility.
KU Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points (per credit hour) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| I (Incomplete) | Not calculated in GPA |
| S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) | Not included in GPA |
Courses marked as “Incomplete” or “Withdrawn” do not affect your GPA unless resolved with a final grade.
GPA Calculation Example
If you took 15 credit hours with the following grades:
- A (3 credits)
- B+ (3 credits)
- B (3 credits)
- C+ (3 credits)
- A– (3 credits)
Then:
- A = 4.0 × 3 = 12.0
- B+ = 3.3 × 3 = 9.9
- B = 3.0 × 3 = 9.0
- C+ = 2.3 × 3 = 6.9
- A– = 3.7 × 3 = 11.1
Total points = 48.9
Divide by total credit hours (15), and you get a semester GPA of 3.26.
Academic Standing and GPA Thresholds
At KU, your GPA doesn’t just sit quietly on your transcript—it determines whether you’re in good academic standing, eligible for the Dean’s List, or at risk of probation or dismissal.
- Good Standing: Typically requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Dean’s List: Usually for students with a 3.75 GPA or higher in at least 12 graded hours
- Probation: Triggered if GPA falls below 2.0
- Dismissal: If probation continues for multiple terms or GPA drops significantly
Some colleges within KU may have higher GPA standards, especially for major-specific requirements or honors tracks.
College or Departmental GPA Policies
The grading scale is consistent across the university, but some programs have extra GPA rules, like minimum grades in major coursework or prerequisites. Here are some examples:
| College/School | Notes |
|---|---|
| School of Engineering | Requires a C or better in core courses and minimum 2.5 GPA to remain in program |
| School of Business | Competitive admission based on KU GPA and prerequisite GPA |
| School of Pharmacy | GPA standards apply to both admission and progression (typically 2.5+) |
| University Honors Program | Requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 to remain in good standing |
Always check with your academic advisor or department for specific GPA-related policies.
Repeated Courses and GPA
At KU, if you retake a course, the most recent grade replaces the original grade in your GPA calculation—even if the new grade is lower. This policy helps students recover from early academic missteps, but it’s worth using strategically.