How GPA Is Defined at North Carolina State University
At North Carolina State University (NC State), grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total credit hours attempted in courses that receive standard letter grades. Only courses graded A+ through F are included in GPA calculations. Grades such as S, U, CR, W, AU, and IN do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA.
NC State uses a plus/minus grading system with grade points assigned on a 4.333 scale. Although an A+ carries 4.333 grade points, GPAs are officially reported with a maximum value of 4.000. GPA calculations are carried to three decimal places internally.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| NC State undergraduate students | Courses graded S, U, CR, W, AU, or IN |
| NC State graduate students with letter-graded coursework | Transfer coursework not assigned NC State grades |
| Students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Audit-only coursework |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use only NC State courses with final letter grades from A+ through F
- Enter the official credit hours for each course
- Exclude courses graded S, U, CR, W, AU, or IN
- Use transcript-reported grades only
This calculator is intended to match NC State’s official semester and cumulative GPA calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at NC State
NC State officially reports the following GPA types:
- Semester GPA, reflecting performance within a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA, reflecting all graded coursework completed at NC State
Not all students will have every GPA type. This calculator matches these reported GPA values.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at NC State includes all undergraduate courses attempted at the university that receive letter grades from A+ through F. Each course contributes grade points based on its letter grade and credit hours, and the GPA is calculated using all graded attempts unless otherwise excluded by official policy.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.333 scale, capped at 4.000 | Plus/minus grading applies uniformly |
Official GPA Scale
NC State publishes the following official grade-to-points scale:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
GPAs are calculated to three decimal places but are officially reported with a maximum value of 4.000.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses graded A+ through F | Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory (S/U) |
| NC State undergraduate and graduate letter-graded courses | Credit (CR) |
| Withdrawn (W) | |
| Audit (AU) | |
| Incomplete (IN) |
Courses are often miscounted when non-letter grades are mistakenly included in GPA calculations.
How Course Units Affect GPA at NC State
Each course is weighted by its credit hours. Courses with more credit hours contribute proportionally more grade points to the GPA calculation than lower-credit courses with the same letter grade.
How GPA Is Calculated
NC State uses the following formula:
GPA = Total Grade Points ÷ Total Graded Credit Hours
Example:
A student completes:
- 3 credits with a B (3.000 × 3 = 9.000)
- 4 credits with an A (4.000 × 4 = 16.000)
- 3 credits with a B+ (3.333 × 3 = 9.999)
Total grade points = 34.999
Total graded credits = 10
Semester GPA = 3.499
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
NC State allows course repetition under specific academic regulations. Unless a formal grade exclusion is approved and applied according to official policy, all graded attempts remain part of the GPA calculation and transcript record.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the academic transcript but do not affect GPA because they do not carry grade points. These include S, U, CR, W, AU, and IN.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at NC State is calculated separately from undergraduate GPA. It includes graduate-level courses that receive standard letter grades. Certain grading options used in graduate programs, such as S/U, do not contribute to GPA. Program-specific rules may apply.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S, CR, W, or AU grades in GPA calculations
- Forgetting to weight grades by credit hours
- Assuming an A+ raises the reported GPA above 4.000
- Misunderstanding how repeated courses affect GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
How is GPA calculated at NC State?
GPA is calculated by dividing total grade points earned by total graded credit hours using only A+ through F grades.
Does an A+ increase my GPA above 4.0?
An A+ is worth 4.333 grade points, but the officially reported GPA is capped at 4.000.
Do S or CR grades count toward GPA?
No. Satisfactory and Credit grades do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are withdrawn courses included in GPA?
No. Courses with a W grade appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Is graduate GPA combined with undergraduate GPA?
No. Undergraduate and graduate GPAs are calculated and reported separately.
Related Official University Links
- North Carolina State University Registration and Records — GPA Calculator
https://content.emas.ncsu.edu/gpa/calculator.html - NC State Student Services Center — Grading and Grade Point Average
https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/academics/grading/grading/ - NC State Graduate Handbook — Grades and Academic Standing
https://catalog.ncsu.edu/graduate/graduate-handbook/grades/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available North Carolina State University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official GPA values are determined by the university and reflected on the student’s official transcript.