How GPA Is Defined at Northeastern University
At Northeastern University, GPA (Grade Point Average) is the weighted average of grade points earned in courses that are included in GPA calculation. Each eligible course grade is assigned a numerical value and weighted by the number of semester credit hours. The GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points by the total number of GPA-eligible credit hours attempted. Grades that are excluded from GPA are not included in this calculation.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students enrolled in Northeastern University degree programs using letter grades | Courses graded on a non-GPA basis |
| Graduate students in programs that report GPA using letter grades | Transfer courses recorded without Northeastern letter grades |
| Students whose courses use the standard Northeastern grading scale | Courses graded S/U, Pass/Fail, IP, I, or other non-GPA symbols |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use only courses that received a letter grade included in GPA
- Enter the correct semester credit hours for each course
- Exclude courses with grades that do not affect GPA
- Confirm that all courses listed were completed at Northeastern University
This calculator is intended to match Northeastern University’s official term and cumulative GPA calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at Northeastern University
- Term GPA: Calculated using courses completed in a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA: Calculated using all GPA-eligible courses completed at Northeastern University
Not all students or programs display every GPA type.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at Northeastern University is calculated using a standard 4.000 grading scale. Only courses completed for undergraduate academic credit that receive a GPA-eligible letter grade are included.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree programs | Yes | 4.000 scale | Non-GPA grades are excluded |
| Cooperative education courses | Depends | 4.000 scale if letter-graded | S/U or non-letter grades do not affect GPA |
Official GPA Scale
Northeastern University uses the following official grade-point scale:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Grades such as Incomplete, In Progress, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, Pass, and Credit are not included in GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with letter grades A–F | Satisfactory / Unsatisfactory |
| GPA-eligible repeated or substituted courses | Pass / Fail |
| Northeastern University credit courses with letter grades | Incomplete or In Progress |
| Audit or non-credit courses |
Miscounts most often occur when non-GPA grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Northeastern University
Each course’s grade points are multiplied by its semester credit hours. Courses with higher credit values contribute proportionally more to the GPA calculation.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA-Eligible Credit Hours
Example
- Course A: B (3.000) × 4 credits = 12.000
- Course B: A (4.000) × 3 credits = 12.000
- Course C: C+ (2.333) × 3 credits = 6.999
Total quality points: 30.999
Total credits: 10
GPA = 3.100
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
In limited cases approved by the academic unit, a course may be substituted or repeated. The original course remains on the transcript, and GPA treatment follows official substitution or repeat rules as recorded by the Registrar.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Academic transcripts may display grades that do not factor into GPA. These grades remain part of the official record but are excluded from GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at Northeastern University is calculated separately from undergraduate GPA. Only graduate-level courses that receive GPA-eligible letter grades are included. Some graduate programs may use alternate grading systems or may not report GPA.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S/U or Pass/Fail courses in GPA calculations
- Assigning incorrect credit hours to courses
- Including Incomplete or In-Progress grades
- Mixing undergraduate and graduate coursework
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades count toward GPA at Northeastern University?
Only letter grades with assigned grade points from A through F are included in GPA. Grades such as S, U, P, I, and IP are excluded from GPA calculation.
Does Northeastern University use a 4.0 GPA scale?
Yes. Northeastern University calculates GPA using a 4.000 grading scale with defined plus and minus values.
Are Pass/Fail courses included in GPA?
No. Courses graded Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory do not affect GPA.
Are transfer courses included in my Northeastern GPA?
Transfer courses may count toward degree requirements, but they are not included in Northeastern GPA calculations.
Does Northeastern report both term and cumulative GPA?
Yes. When applicable, both term GPA and cumulative GPA are reported on academic records.
Do incomplete grades affect GPA?
Incomplete and In-Progress grades do not affect GPA until a final letter grade is posted.
Related Official University Links
- Northeastern University Office of the Registrar – Grades and Transcripts
https://registrar.northeastern.edu/article/grades-transcripts/ - Northeastern University Academic Catalog – Academic Policies and Procedures
https://catalog.northeastern.edu/ - Northeastern University Undergraduate Academic Policies
https://catalog.northeastern.edu/undergraduate/academic-policies-procedures/ - Northeastern University Graduate Academic Policies
https://catalog.northeastern.edu/graduate/academic-policies-procedures/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available Northeastern University registrar and academic catalog documentation. Official university records and registrar determinations govern all final GPA calculations.