How GPA Is Defined at Penn State
At Penn State, GPA is calculated as a quality-point average based on letter-graded Penn State coursework. Each course grade is assigned a numerical quality-point value, which is multiplied by the course’s credit value. GPA is the total quality points divided by total GPA credits. Grades that do not carry quality points appear on the transcript but are excluded from GPA calculations.
This guide reflects Penn State’s published registrar and academic policy documentation only.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Penn State undergraduate students earning letter grades | High-school or admissions GPA |
| Penn State graduate students in programs that calculate GPA | Transfer coursework from non-Penn State institutions |
| Students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Courses graded only as S/U, P/NP, or audit |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
To align with Penn State’s official GPA calculation:
- Enter the exact credit value for each Penn State course
- Exclude grades that do not carry quality points
- Use only final grades, not In-Progress or deferred entries
- Apply Penn State’s grade-forgiveness rules if applicable
This calculator is intended to match Penn State’s semester and cumulative GPA when courses are entered exactly as shown on the transcript.
Types of GPA Reported at Penn State
Penn State officially reports several GPA values:
- Semester GPA, calculated for each academic term
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all eligible Penn State coursework
- Major GPA, where required by a college or program
Not all students see all GPA types. This calculator is designed for semester and cumulative GPA calculations.
Undergraduate GPA
Penn State calculates undergraduate GPA using a quality-point system applied consistently across colleges and campuses. GPA is used for academic standing, progression, and graduation eligibility.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| College / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.0 scale with plus/minus | Same GPA system applies across campuses and colleges |
Penn State does not use different GPA scales by college, but programs may impose additional GPA requirements.
Official GPA Scale
Penn State assigns quality points per credit as follows:
| Letter Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Grades such as S, U, P, NP, XF, W, DF, and audit designations do not carry quality points.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Penn State courses with quality-point grades | S/U or P/NP courses |
| Letter-graded coursework completed at Penn State | Withdrawals and audits |
| Forgiven courses after grade-forgiveness approval | Transfer coursework from other institutions |
Students often miscalculate GPA by including courses that earn credit but do not generate quality points.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Penn State
Penn State GPA is credit-weighted, not an average of letter grades. A 4-credit course has twice the impact of a 2-credit course. This weighting is why larger lecture courses and labs can significantly affect GPA.
How GPA Is Calculated
Penn State uses this official formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Credits
Example (one semester):
| Course | Credits | Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course A | 3 | A- | 11.01 |
| Course B | 4 | B | 12.00 |
| Course C | 2 | C+ | 4.66 |
Total quality points = 27.67
Total GPA credits = 9
Semester GPA = 3.07
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Penn State offers an official Grade Forgiveness policy:
- Students may request grade forgiveness for up to 12 credits
- Forgiven grades remain on the transcript but are excluded from GPA
- Only the new grade counts toward GPA after approval
- Grade forgiveness must be requested and approved
Courses repeated without forgiveness include both attempts in GPA.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
A Penn State transcript may show grades that do not affect GPA. GPA is calculated only from courses that carry quality points and are eligible under Penn State policy, which explains why transcript records and GPA totals may differ.
Graduate GPA
Graduate students at Penn State receive an official GPA calculated using the same quality-point scale. Graduate policy requires:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Continued satisfactory academic progress
- Letter-graded coursework to establish GPA
Individual graduate programs may impose stricter GPA standards.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S/U or P/NP courses in GPA math
- Ignoring credit weighting
- Assuming repeated courses automatically replace earlier grades
- Forgetting to apply approved grade forgiveness
- Including transfer grades in Penn State GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Penn State use a 4.0 GPA scale?
Yes. Penn State calculates GPA using a 4.0 quality-point scale with plus and minus grades. Each letter grade has a defined quality-point value per credit.
Do transfer credits affect my Penn State GPA?
No. Transfer courses may count toward degree requirements, but their grades do not generate quality points and are excluded from GPA.
How does grade forgiveness affect GPA?
When approved, grade forgiveness removes the original grade’s quality points from GPA calculations. The forgiven grade remains on the transcript but no longer affects GPA.
Is GPA weighted by credits at Penn State?
Yes. GPA is credit-weighted, meaning higher-credit courses have a greater impact on GPA than lower-credit courses.
Do graduate students have a GPA at Penn State?
Yes. Graduate students receive a cumulative GPA and must maintain at least a 3.0 to remain in good academic standing.
Related Official University Links
- Penn State Office of the University Registrar
https://registrar.psu.edu/ - Penn State Undergraduate Academic Policies
https://undergrad.psu.edu/aappm/ - Penn State Grade Forgiveness Policy
https://undergrad.psu.edu/aappm/g-1-grade-forgiveness.html - Penn State Graduate School – Academic Policies
https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-education-policies/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on Penn State’s publicly available registrar, undergraduate, and graduate academic policy documentation. Official Penn State records and transcripts are the final authority for GPA calculations.