How GPA Is Defined at Michigan Technological University
At Michigan Technological University (MTU), the Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated as the ratio of total grade points earned to total grade point hours attempted for courses that carry grade points. Grade point hours include credits for courses graded A, AB, B, BC, C, CD, D, F, and X. The GPA is computed by dividing total grade points by total grade point hours and truncating the result according to official policy. Only courses with assigned grade points are included in GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students at MTU | Courses with non-GPA grades (S, W, audit, etc.) |
| Graduate students with a reported GPA | Transfer courses without grade points |
| Students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Courses not assigned credit hours |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use only official letter grades that carry grade points.
- Confirm the credit hours for each course.
- Exclude courses with grades that do not affect GPA.
- Identify whether you are calculating semester or cumulative GPA.
This calculator is designed to match the GPA calculated by Michigan Tech’s Registrar.
Types of GPA Reported at Michigan Technological University
Michigan Tech officially reports:
- Semester GPA, reflecting graded coursework completed in a single term.
- Cumulative GPA, reflecting all graded coursework completed at the university.
Not all students will see all GPA types, depending on enrollment status and academic level. This calculator aligns with the official Registrar GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using all graded undergraduate courses that carry grade points. Each course contributes based on its assigned credit hours and the official grade point value of the final grade.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate academic units | Yes | 4.00 scale with half-step grades | All graded courses calculated uniformly |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| AB | 3.50 |
| B | 3.00 |
| BC | 2.50 |
| C | 2.00 |
| CD | 1.50 |
| D | 1.00 |
| F / F* | 0.00 |
Grades such as I, S, W, Cr, audit, and other non-graded symbols appear on transcripts but do not affect GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses graded A–F or X | Satisfactory (S) |
| Credit-bearing graded coursework | Withdrawn (W) |
| Repeated courses with grade points | Audit or non-credit courses |
Miscounts typically occur when transcript grades that do not carry grade points are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Michigan Tech
Each course is weighted by its credit hours. Courses with more credit hours have a greater impact on GPA because grade points are multiplied by the course’s credit value before being included in the GPA calculation.
How GPA Is Calculated
Michigan Tech uses the following official formula:
Total Grade Points ÷ Total Grade Point Hours = GPA (truncated)
Example:
A 3-credit course graded B (3.00) contributes 9.0 grade points.
A 4-credit course graded AB (3.50) contributes 14.0 grade points.
If total grade points equal 29.0 across 10 grade point hours, the GPA is 2.9 after truncation.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Michigan Tech includes all graded attempts in GPA calculations unless otherwise specified by official policy. Repeated courses remain on the transcript, and GPA treatment follows Registrar rules.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades are recorded for academic history or enrollment status but do not affect GPA. Only grades that carry assigned grade point values are used in GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate programs at Michigan Tech report GPA for graded graduate coursework. Program-level requirements may differ, but GPA calculation follows the standard institutional grading scale unless otherwise documented.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including non-graded transcript entries in GPA calculations.
- Ignoring course credit hours.
- Rounding GPA instead of truncating.
- Assuming transfer coursework affects MTU GPA without grade points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Michigan Tech calculate GPA?
GPA is calculated by dividing total grade points earned by total grade point hours attempted for graded courses. The final value is truncated according to Registrar policy.
Do pass/fail or satisfactory courses affect GPA?
No. Courses graded S or using pass/fail options do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are transfer credits included in my Michigan Tech GPA?
Transfer credits are not included unless they are recorded on the MTU transcript with assigned grade points.
Which grades count toward GPA hours?
Grades A, AB, B, BC, C, CD, D, F, and X count toward GPA hours. Other grades are excluded.
Is the GPA shown on my transcript official?
Yes. The GPA shown on your official Michigan Tech transcript is the authoritative GPA used for academic standing and graduation.
Related Official University Links
- Michigan Technological University Registrar – Grading Information
https://www.mtu.edu/registrar/faculty-staff/grades/ - Michigan Technological University Registrar – GPA Estimator
https://www.mtu.edu/registrar/students/advising/gpa-calculator/ - Michigan Technological University Academic Catalog – Academic Policies
https://catalog.mtu.edu/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available Michigan Technological University Registrar and academic policy documentation. Official Registrar records and transcripts govern all final GPA determinations.