How GPA Is Defined at the University of Oklahoma
At the University of Oklahoma (OU), a Grade Point Average (GPA) represents the average of grade points earned in courses that carry grade points. Letter grades are assigned numeric values on a 4.0 scale, and GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points by total graded credit hours. Courses with grades that do not carry grade points are excluded from GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Courses graded P, NP, S, U, W, I, or AW |
| Graduate students calculating GPA for degree requirements | Audit-only or non-credit coursework |
| Students including repeated courses that affect GPA | Neutral grades that do not carry grade points |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses, confirm the following:
- You have the final letter grade and credit hours for each course
- You only include courses that carry grade points
- Neutral grades are excluded from GPA inputs
This calculator is intended to match the official OU undergraduate and graduate GPA calculation method.
Types of GPA Reported at the University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma officially reports multiple GPA types:
- Semester GPA: GPA for a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA: GPA across all graded coursework on record
- Degree or Retention GPA: Used for academic standing or graduation eligibility
Not all students see every GPA type.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated by assigning grade points to each letter grade, multiplying by course credit hours, and dividing the total quality points by total graded credit hours. Grades that do not carry points are excluded.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.0 scale | Same registrar GPA rules apply university-wide |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Grades such as P, NP, S, U, W, I, and AW do not carry grade points.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with A, B, C, D, or F grades | Pass/No Pass courses |
| Graded transfer coursework accepted by OU | Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades |
| Repeated courses per repeat policy | Withdrawals and Incompletes |
Miscounts most often occur when neutral grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at the University of Oklahoma
Each course’s credit hours determine its weight in GPA calculations. Courses with higher credit values contribute more heavily to the GPA than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
The University of Oklahoma uses the following formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Graded Credit Hours
Example:
If a student earns 43 quality points across 14 graded credit hours, the GPA is 3.07.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
OU allows course repetition under documented academic forgiveness policies. When approved, only the highest grade may be included in GPA calculations, though all attempts remain on the transcript. Limits and eligibility conditions apply.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA. These grades are recorded for enrollment history or progress tracking only and carry no grade points.
Graduate GPA
Graduate programs at the University of Oklahoma also use a 4.0 GPA scale. GPA requirements vary by program, and not all graduate coursework may be included in GPA calculations depending on program policy.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including courses with neutral grades
- Ignoring course credit hour weighting
- Misapplying repeat or forgiveness rules
- Assuming transfer grades are excluded when they are accepted for credit
Frequently Asked Questions
How does OU calculate GPA?
OU calculates GPA by dividing total quality points by total graded credit hours. Only courses with letter grades that carry grade points are included.
Do Pass/No Pass courses affect GPA at OU?
No. Pass/No Pass courses do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Does OU use plus or minus grading?
The official GPA scale lists only standard letter grades with whole-number grade points.
Are transfer courses included in GPA?
Transfer courses accepted for credit and assigned standard letter grades are included in the cumulative GPA.
How are repeated courses handled in GPA?
Repeated courses may qualify for academic forgiveness under specific conditions, allowing only the highest grade to count toward GPA
Related Official University Links
- University of Oklahoma Office of the Registrar – Academic Records
https://ou-public.courseleaf.com/division-enrollment-management/registrar/academic-records/ - University of Oklahoma Undergraduate Academic Catalog – Grading Policies
https://ou-public.courseleaf.com/undergraduate/ - University of Oklahoma Academic Forgiveness Policy
https://www.ou.edu/registrar/academic-records/academic-forgiveness - University of Oklahoma Graduate Academic Catalog
https://ou-public.courseleaf.com/graduate/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This GPA Calculator guide is based solely on publicly available University of Oklahoma registrar and academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and registrar determinations govern final GPA calculations.