How GPA Is Calculated at Penn State
Whether you’re aiming for the Dean’s List or just trying to graduate with a solid average, understanding how Penn State calculates your GPA is key. Let’s break it down.
What Is GPA at Penn State?
GPA, or Grade Point Average, at Penn State is a cumulative measure of your academic performance. It’s calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of attempted credits.
You’ll see two kinds of GPA on your record:
- Semester GPA: All courses for that specific term.
- Cumulative GPA: Everything you’ve taken since enrolling at Penn State.
Penn State’s Grade Scale
Penn State uses a 4.0 scale, assigning numerical values to letter grades. Here’s how it works:
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A− | 3.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B− | 2.67 |
| C+ | 2.33 |
| C | 2.00 |
| D | 1.00 |
| F | 0.00 |
- Only courses with quality grades (A to F) impact your GPA.
- Pass/Fail (P/F) or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) courses do not factor into GPA calculations.
How to Calculate Your GPA
Let’s say you took 4 classes this semester:
- ENGL 15 (3 credits) — A = 3 × 4.00 = 12.00
- MATH 140 (4 credits) — B = 4 × 3.00 = 12.00
- CHEM 110 (3 credits) — C+ = 3 × 2.33 = 6.99
- KINES 100 (1 credit) — A− = 1 × 3.67 = 3.67
Total Grade Points = 12.00 + 12.00 + 6.99 + 3.67 = 34.66
Total Credits = 11
GPA = 34.66 / 11 = 3.15
Boom—you’re officially above a 3.0.
Special Policies by College or Program
While the grade scale is universal, some colleges at Penn State have additional GPA standards:
| College/Program | GPA Requirement for Admission or Retention |
|---|---|
| Smeal College of Business | Minimum 3.20 GPA to enter most majors |
| College of Engineering | Typically 2.70+ for entry to major |
| College of Nursing | 3.50 GPA to enter/retain in pre-licensure BSN |
| Schreyer Honors College | Minimum 3.40 cumulative to stay in good standing |
Some majors also enforce credit windows, which means you must apply to your major during a set number of completed credits (usually between 40–59 credits).
Dean’s List & Academic Standing
- Dean’s List: Semester GPA of 3.50+, completion of at least 12 credits, and no grades below C.
- Academic Warning: Cumulative GPA below 2.00.
- Academic Suspension: After continued poor performance (detailed in catalog).
Other Notes
- Repeated Courses: If you retake a course, all grades remain on your transcript, but only the most recent grade counts toward GPA.
- Withdrawals (W) don’t impact GPA.
- XF grades (violations of academic integrity) carry an F’s weight in GPA until removed by appeal or expiration.