Understanding the GPA System at Ohio State
At Ohio State, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a snapshot of how well you’re doing academically. It’s calculated on a 4.0 scale, which is standard for most U.S. universities. Your GPA plays a big role in your academic standing, scholarship eligibility, and future opportunities like grad school or internships.
Let’s break down how it all works.
OSU Grade Scale Table
Ohio State uses the traditional letter-grade system paired with corresponding grade points. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Letter Grade | GPA Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A– | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B– | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C– | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| E (Fail) | 0.0 |
| EN (Never Attended) | 0.0 |
| EM (Exam Credit) | Not calculated |
| PA/NP (Pass/No Pass) | Not calculated |
Note: “E” is OSU’s version of “F” (Fail). “EN” is given when a student never attended or participated.
How GPA Is Calculated
To compute your cumulative GPA, OSU uses this formula:
GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted
Here’s a quick example:
- You took 3 courses:
- A in a 3-credit class (3 x 4.0 = 12.0)
- B+ in a 4-credit class (4 x 3.3 = 13.2)
- C in a 3-credit class (3 x 2.0 = 6.0)
Total Grade Points = 31.2
Total Credit Hours = 10
GPA = 31.2 ÷ 10 = 3.12
Special Grade Notations You Might See
- I (Incomplete): Temporary, doesn’t affect GPA until completed.
- W (Withdrawal): Indicates course withdrawal, doesn’t impact GPA.
- PA/NP: Used in select courses, doesn’t factor into GPA.
- EM, K, S: Special credit options, also not GPA-impacting.
Grading Differences by Program or College
Ohio State follows a centralized grading system, but some colleges—like Engineering, Nursing, or Law—may have their own GPA requirements for progression or graduation. For example:
- College of Nursing requires a minimum 2.75 GPA for progression.
- Engineering students may need a 2.0 or higher in prerequisite and core courses.
- The Moritz College of Law uses a curve system with a median GPA target.
Always check with your college advisor or department for program-specific GPA expectations.
Grade Forgiveness Policy
OSU has a Grade Forgiveness Rule, allowing undergrads to retake up to 3 classes (up to 12 credit hours total) for a better grade. The new grade replaces the old one in GPA calculation—but both appear on your transcript.
Academic Standing
Here’s how GPA ties into your status:
- Good Standing: Cumulative GPA ≥ 2.0
- Academic Warning: GPA drops below 2.0
- Probation or Dismissal: Continued low GPA after warning status
You’ll get plenty of support through OSU advising and student success services if your GPA dips.