How GPA Is Defined at Michigan State University
At Michigan State University, a student’s Grade-Point Average (GPA) measures academic performance on a 4.0 numerical scale using quality points derived from course grades. Courses graded under the numerical system contribute to both semester and cumulative GPA. All grades on the numerical system count in GPA calculations. The minimum cumulative GPA required for graduation is 2.0 for undergraduate degrees and 3.0 for graduate degrees.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students enrolled in courses graded numerically | Courses graded CR/NC or S/NS (do not count in GPA) |
| Graduate students with numerical grades | Transfer credits only (used for degree credit but not GPA) |
| Students tracking semester or cumulative GPA | Courses without numerical grades (e.g., W, I, P/CR) |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Checklist:
- Use numerical grades from MSU courses only.
- Use credit hours for each course exactly as listed on your transcript.
- Exclude non-numerical grades (e.g., P/CR, S/NS, W) from GPA calculations.
This calculator is intended to produce semester and cumulative GPAs consistent with MSU official calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at Michigan State University
MSU reports GPA types based on academic level:
- Semester GPA: GPA for a single term.
- Cumulative GPA: Combined GPA across all semesters.
Not all students see separate unit-level or major GPAs — this calculator matches university-wide semester and cumulative GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPAs at MSU are calculated by dividing total quality points by total grade-point credits attempted using numerical grades. Quality points for a course are the product of the numerical grade value and the credit hours for that course.
Official Undergraduate GPA Scale
MSU uses the following numerical grading scale for courses graded under the numerical system (values represent quality points per credit)
| Letter Grade | Numerical Value (Quality Points) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
(Grades such as P/CR, S/NS, W, I do not count toward GPA.)
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with numerical grades | Courses graded CR/NC, S/NS |
| Repeated courses (only the latest grade) | Transfer credits with no MSU grade |
| All numerical credits attempted | Withdrawn (W), Incomplete (I), Pass/Fail |
Courses graded P/CR, S/NS, W, I, and similar symbols are excluded from GPA computations.
How Course Units Affect GPA at MSU
Each course’s contribution to GPA is weighted by its credit hours. A 4-credit course affects GPA more than a 3-credit course because quality points are multiplied by credit hours before averaging.
How GPA Is Calculated
Formula:
GPA = (Sum of Quality Points) / (Sum of Grade-Point Credits Attempted)
Example:
Course | Credits | Grade | Quality Points
ENGL 101 | 3 | B (3.0) | 9.0
MATH 120 | 4 | A- (3.7) | 14.8
HIST 201 | 3 | B+ (3.3) | 9.9
Total quality points = 33.7
Total credits attempted = 10
GPA = 33.7 / 10 = 3.37
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, only the most recent grade and associated credits are counted in the GPA and graduation credit, though all attempts appear on the transcript.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Grades recorded as non-numerical symbols (P/CR, S/NS, W, I, etc.) appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPAs follow the same numerical calculation method as undergraduate but require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for graduation.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including non-numerical grades (P/CR, S/NS, W) in GPA.
- Not accounting for course repeat rules.
- Forgetting weight of credit hours when averaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest GPA possible at MSU?
The highest official GPA on the MSU 4.0 scale is 4.00, based on quality points from numerical grades.
Do transfer grades affect my MSU GPA?
No. Transfer courses may count for degree credit but are not included in MSU GPA unless graded by MSU.
Do pass/fail courses count in GPA?
No. CR/NC and S/NS grades are excluded from GPA calculations.
How many times can I repeat a course?
Under MSU policy, courses can be repeated (generally up to three attempts) but check your college’s specific rules. Only the latest grade counts in the GPA.
Does MSU round GPA?
MSU truncates the GPA to three decimal places for official reporting.
What happens if I withdraw from a course?
Withdrawals (W) do not count in GPA but may appear on your transcript.
Can grades from other institutions be included in MSU GPA?
No. Only courses graded at MSU with numerical grades count toward your MSU GPA.
Related Official University Links
- Michigan State University Office of the Registrar
https://reg.msu.edu/ - Michigan State University Academic Programs & Policies (Grading and GPA)
https://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Print.aspx - Michigan State University Course Repeat Policy
https://reg.msu.edu/AcademicPrograms/Print.aspx?Section=532 - Michigan State University Graduate Academic Policies
https://grad.msu.edu/academic-policies
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on public Michigan State University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and registrar records govern all final GPA calculations and degree requirements.