Understanding GPA at Mizzou
At the University of Missouri, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is more than just a number — it’s a measure of your academic progress, and it can impact everything from scholarships to graduation eligibility. Mizzou uses a 4.0 scale, meaning the highest GPA you can earn is a 4.0.
Each course you take is assigned a certain number of credit hours, and each letter grade you receive has a corresponding point value. Your GPA is calculated by multiplying the point value of each grade by the number of credit hours, summing up all those values, and then dividing by the total number of credit hours attempted.
Mizzou Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
| S (Satisfactory) | Not calculated in GPA |
| U (Unsatisfactory) | Not calculated in GPA |
| W (Withdrawn) | Not calculated in GPA |
| NR (Not Reported) | Not calculated in GPA |
A few extra notes:
- S/U grades don’t affect your GPA, but they do impact earned credit hours.
- W indicates withdrawal but doesn’t harm your GPA.
- NR means the instructor didn’t submit a grade yet.
Calculating Your GPA (The Easy Way)
Let’s say you took 4 classes:
- English (3 credit hours): A (4.0)
- Biology (4 credit hours): B (3.0)
- Math (3 credit hours): C+ (2.3)
- History (3 credit hours): B+ (3.3)
Your GPA calculation would look like this:
(3 hrs x 4.0) + (4 hrs x 3.0) + (3 hrs x 2.3) + (3 hrs x 3.3) = 12 + 12 + 6.9 + 9.9 = 40.8
Total credit hours = 13
GPA = 40.8 ÷ 13 = 3.14
Voilà! Your GPA is 3.14.
Department-Specific Grading Differences
Most departments at Mizzou use the same standard grading scale. However, some professional schools (like Nursing, Law, Medicine, or Veterinary Medicine) may enforce stricter GPA policies or require minimum grade thresholds in core courses. For example:
- School of Nursing: Requires at least a C in science prerequisites.
- Law School: Uses a curve for certain required courses.
- College of Education & Human Development: May require a 3.0 GPA for certain certification tracks.
Always check with your academic advisor or department handbook for the most accurate and updated requirements.
Academic Standing and GPA
Your cumulative GPA affects your academic standing:
- Good Standing: 2.0 GPA or above
- Academic Warning: If your term GPA drops below 2.0
- Academic Probation: Continued GPA struggles may result in probation
- Dismissal: Low GPA over multiple semesters can lead to suspension or dismissal
To stay on track, use GPA calculators, talk with advisors, and seek tutoring if needed.