How Northeastern University Calculates GPA
At Northeastern, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numeric snapshot of your academic performance, calculated based on the grades you earn and the credit hours of your courses. It’s used for everything from graduation eligibility to honors recognition, and sometimes even for keeping co-op placements.
The Formula
Northeastern uses the standard GPA formula:
GPA = Total Grade Points Earned ÷ Total Credit Hours Attempted
Each grade you receive corresponds to a numerical value (known as “quality points”), which is multiplied by the number of credit hours the course is worth.
Let’s break it down.
Northeastern’s GPA/Grade Scale
Here’s how letter grades translate to grade points at Northeastern:
| 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 |
Note: Grades like S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory), and W (Withdrawal) or I (Incomplete) don’t factor into your GPA.
Important Grading Details
Pass/Fail Options
- Certain courses may be taken as Pass/Fail, but these do not count toward GPA.
- Be cautious—some majors or grad school applications prefer or require letter grades.
Repeated Courses
- If you retake a course, only the most recent grade counts toward your GPA, though all attempts remain on your transcript.
Incompletes
- A grade of I (Incomplete) is temporary. Once you complete the work, your instructor will submit a final grade that updates your GPA.
College and Program-Specific Policies
While the GPA scale is consistent across Northeastern, some colleges and programs have stricter academic standards or progression requirements. Examples:
| College or Program | Policy |
|---|---|
| College of Engineering | Minimum 2.000 GPA in major courses to progress |
| D’Amore-McKim School of Business | Students must maintain a 2.000 overall GPA to avoid probation |
| Honors Program | Continued eligibility often requires a GPA of 3.500+ |
Always check with your academic advisor or college’s policy page to understand what’s expected of you.
Academic Honors at Northeastern
- Dean’s List: GPA of 3.500 or higher with no grade below C−
- Graduation Honors:
- Cum Laude: 3.500–3.699
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.700–3.849
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.850–4.000