How GPA Is Defined at the University of Notre Dame
At the University of Notre Dame, grade point average (GPA) is calculated on a 4.0 scale. GPA is determined by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. Quality points are assigned to standard letter grades, and only courses that are graded and count toward degree requirements are included in GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Degree-seeking undergraduate students at Notre Dame | Pass/Fail courses with a passing grade |
| Graduate students in programs that report GPA | Audited courses |
| Notre Dame courses graded with standard letter grades | Withdrawn courses (W) |
| Approved Notre Dame study-away or co-exchange courses | Zero- or one-credit S/U courses |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses into the calculator:
- Use only Notre Dame courses with standard letter grades.
- Exclude Pass/Fail courses unless the grade is an F.
- Exclude withdrawn or audited courses.
- Confirm credit hours for each course.
This calculator is intended to match Notre Dame’s official semester and cumulative GPA calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at Notre Dame
Notre Dame officially reports:
- Semester GPA, calculated for each academic term.
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all eligible coursework.
Not all students are shown additional GPA types, such as major or program GPA, as those are not universally reported.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA includes all graded courses attempted at Notre Dame that count toward degree requirements. Courses taken Pass/Fail with a passing grade do not affect GPA but may count toward completed credit totals.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts and Letters | Yes | 4.0 | Standard registrar GPA |
| College of Science | Yes | 4.0 | Standard registrar GPA |
| College of Engineering | Yes | 4.0 | Standard registrar GPA |
| Mendoza College of Business | Yes | 4.0 | Standard registrar GPA |
| Architecture | Yes | 4.0 | Standard registrar GPA |
Official GPA Scale
The University of Notre Dame publishes a 4.0 grading scale with quality points assigned to letter grades.
| Letter Grade | Quality 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 | 1.000 |
| F | 0.000 |
An A+ does not carry a value higher than 4.000 unless explicitly stated by a program.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses (A–F) | Pass/Fail courses with a passing grade |
| Approved study-away courses | Withdrawn courses (W) |
| Co-exchange partner courses | Audited courses |
| Failed Pass/Fail courses (F) | S/U in non-graded credit |
Miscounts most often occur when Pass/Fail, withdrawn, or audit courses are mistakenly entered as GPA-bearing.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Notre Dame
Each course’s credit hours determine its weight in GPA calculations. Courses with higher credit values contribute proportionally more quality points than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
Notre Dame uses the following formula:
Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours Attempted = GPA
Example:
- 3-credit course with an A earns 12.000 quality points
- 4-credit course with a B+ earns 13.332 quality points
- Total quality points: 25.332
- Total credits: 7
- GPA: 3.619
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Publicly available registrar documentation does not publish a general grade replacement policy. Course repeat treatment may vary by school or program and should be confirmed with the Registrar.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA. These include Withdrawn (W), Audit (V), and certain S/U grades.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated using graded graduate-level coursework taken at Notre Dame. GPA reporting and requirements may vary by graduate program, and not all programs calculate or display GPA in the same way.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass/Fail courses with passing grades in GPA calculations
- Counting withdrawn or audited courses
- Entering transfer grades that do not count toward Notre Dame GPA
- Assuming repeated courses automatically replace earlier grades
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Notre Dame include Pass/Fail courses in GPA?
No. Courses taken Pass/Fail do not affect GPA unless the grade earned is an F, which is included in GPA calculations.
Is an A+ worth more than a 4.0 at Notre Dame?
No. The published grading scale caps quality points at 4.000 unless a specific program documents otherwise.
Are transfer course grades included in Notre Dame GPA?
No. Transfer grades typically do not factor into Notre Dame GPA, though approved study-away courses may.
Does Notre Dame calculate a major GPA?
Notre Dame reports semester and cumulative GPA. Major GPA calculation depends on individual school or department policy.
Do withdrawn courses affect GPA?
No. Withdrawn courses appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA or attempted credit totals.
Related Official University Links
- University of Notre Dame Registrar — Grades and GPA Calculation
https://registrar.nd.edu/exams-grading/grades/calculate-gpa/ - University of Notre Dame Registrar — Grades and Grading Policies
https://registrar.nd.edu/exams-grading/grades/ - University of Notre Dame Graduate School Academic Regulations
https://graduateschool.nd.edu/academics/academic-policies/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of Notre Dame registrar and academic policy documentation. Official GPA calculations are governed by the Registrar and reflected on the student’s official transcript.