How NC State Calculates Your GPA
At NC State, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated on a 4.0 scale and reflects the average value of your final grades across all credit hours attempted. The GPA helps determine your academic standing, eligibility for scholarships, and graduation honors.
Each course you take comes with a certain number of credit hours, and each letter grade you earn is assigned a grade point value. Your GPA is the weighted average of these grade points based on how many credit hours each course carries.
NC State Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points (GPA) |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.333 |
| A | 4.000 |
| A− | 3.667 |
| B+ | 3.333 |
| B | 3.000 |
| B− | 2.667 |
| C+ | 2.333 |
| C | 2.000 |
| C− | 1.667 |
| D+ | 1.333 |
| D | 1.000 |
| D− | 0.667 |
| F | 0.000 |
Other notations include:
- S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) – used for pass/fail courses and not included in GPA.
- IN (Incomplete), W (Withdrawn), NR (No Report) – not included in GPA calculations either.
GPA Calculation Example
Let’s say you took 4 classes with the following grades and credit hours:
- BIO 181 (4 credits) – A (4.0)
- CH 101 (3 credits) – B+ (3.333)
- ENG 101 (3 credits) – B (3.0)
- MA 141 (4 credits) – C (2.0)
Step 1: Multiply each grade by its credit hours
- BIO 181: 4.0 × 4 = 16.0
- CH 101: 3.333 × 3 = 9.999
- ENG 101: 3.0 × 3 = 9.0
- MA 141: 2.0 × 4 = 8.0
Step 2: Add all grade points and credit hours
- Total Grade Points = 16.0 + 9.999 + 9.0 + 8.0 = 42.999
- Total Credit Hours = 4 + 3 + 3 + 4 = 14
Step 3: Divide grade points by credit hours
- GPA = 42.999 ÷ 14 ≈ 3.07
Special Notes by Program or College
Most undergraduate programs follow the standard scale above, but some colleges or departments may have stricter grading policies—especially in engineering, life sciences, and veterinary programs.
If you’re a grad student:
- Only grades C− and above count toward degree requirements.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good standing.
If you’re taking courses as part of dual enrollment or through Distance Education, those grades still count toward your GPA, provided they are NC State courses.
Final GPA and Repeats
- Repeating a course? Only the most recent grade counts toward your GPA, but both appear on your transcript.
- Dean’s List: Requires a 3.5+ GPA with at least 12 graded credit hours and no grades below a C.
- Graduation Honors:
- Cum Laude: 3.25 – 3.499
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.5 – 3.749
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.75 – 4.0