How GPA Is Defined at University of Missouri
At the University of Missouri, a grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted for courses with letter grades. Mizzou uses a four-point GPA scale with plus and minus grading. Only grades that carry credit and grade points are included in GPA calculations. Grades such as S, U, W, NR, and I are excluded from GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students at the University of Missouri | Courses graded S, U, W, NR, or I |
| Graduate and professional students using letter grades | Courses that carry credit but no grade points |
| Students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Non-credit coursework |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses into the GPA calculator:
- Use only University of Missouri letter grades that carry grade points
- Enter the correct credit hours for each course
- Exclude courses graded S, U, W, NR, or I
- Apply official repeat-course rules where applicable
This calculator is intended to match GPA values reported on official University of Missouri transcripts.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Missouri
The University of Missouri officially reports multiple GPA types:
- Semester GPA – GPA calculated for a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA – GPA calculated across all graded coursework attempted at the University of Missouri system
Not all students will see every GPA type, depending on enrollment history and academic program.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at the University of Missouri includes all undergraduate courses completed with letter grades that carry grade points. All credit-bearing courses graded A through F are included in GPA calculations according to university policy.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges and schools | Yes | 4.0 | Plus/minus grading applies uniformly |
| Graduate or professional programs using letter grades | Yes | 4.0 | Program-specific rules may apply |
| Programs graded exclusively S/U | No GPA reported | N/A | Grades do not generate grade points |
Official GPA Scale
The University of Missouri uses the following official grade-point values:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+, A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
Grades that do not carry grade points are excluded from GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses graded A through F | Satisfactory (S) |
| Repeated courses per repeat policy | Unsatisfactory (U) |
| Transfer courses using MU grade equivalents | Withdrawn (W) |
| Incomplete (I) | |
| Not Reported (NR) |
Miscounts typically occur when non-graded courses or excluded transcript notations are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Missouri
Each course’s impact on GPA depends on its credit hours. Quality points are calculated by multiplying the grade-point value by the number of credit hours assigned to the course. Courses with higher credit hours carry more weight in the GPA calculation.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Credit Hours
Example:
- 3 credit hours × A (4.00) = 12.00
- 4 credit hours × B+ (3.30) = 13.20
- 3 credit hours × C (2.00) = 6.00
Total quality points: 31.20
Total GPA credit hours: 10
GPA: 3.12
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is officially repeated under University of Missouri policy, the most recent grade replaces the earlier attempt in GPA calculations. Both attempts remain visible on the transcript, but only the applicable grade is included in GPA.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some transcript notations appear for academic record-keeping but do not affect GPA calculations. These include S, U, W, NR, and I grades.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated only in programs that assign letter grades. Some graduate programs use alternative grading systems and do not report a GPA. Program-specific policies determine whether a graduate GPA is calculated.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S or U grades in GPA calculations
- Counting withdrawn or incomplete courses
- Ignoring official repeat-course rules
- Using incorrect credit hour values
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mizzou use plus and minus grading?
Yes. The University of Missouri uses plus and minus grades from A+ through D-, and each has a specific grade-point value used in GPA calculations.
Do S/U courses affect GPA at Mizzou?
No. Courses graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory do not generate grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
What GPA appears on my transcript?
Official transcripts typically display semester GPA and cumulative GPA when applicable, based on graded coursework completed at the University of Missouri.
Does withdrawing from a course lower my GPA?
No. A Withdrawn (W) grade does not carry grade points and does not affect GPA.
Are transfer courses included in GPA?
Transfer courses may be included in cumulative GPA using University of Missouri grade equivalents, depending on how the credit is evaluated.
Do repeated courses still appear on transcripts?
Yes. All attempts remain on the transcript, but only the applicable grade is included in GPA calculations under repeat policy rules.
Related Official University Links
- University of Missouri Registrar – GPA Calculator
https://registrar.missouri.edu/grades-calculators/gpa-calculator/ - University of Missouri Registrar – Grading System
https://registrar.missouri.edu/grades-calculators/grading-system/ - University of Missouri Registrar – GPA of Record Policy
https://registrar.missouri.edu/policies-procedures/gpa-of-record/ - University of Missouri Academic Catalog – Grades and Academic Policies
https://catalog.missouri.edu/academicpolicies/grades/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available University of Missouri registrar and academic policy documentation. Official university records and transcripts govern all final GPA calculations.