How GPA Is Defined at the University of Pittsburgh
At the University of Pittsburgh, the Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numeric measure of academic performance calculated on a 4.00 scale. GPA is determined by dividing total quality points earned by total GPA credit hours attempted. GPA is calculated for individual terms and cumulatively across a student’s academic career. Some schools or programs may also calculate additional GPA values, such as major or degree GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students earning letter grades | Courses graded S/NC unless specified by policy |
| Graduate and professional students with letter-graded coursework | Audit, withdrawn, or ungraded courses |
| Students reviewing term or cumulative GPA | Coursework excluded by school-specific rules |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering your courses, confirm the following:
- Enter only courses with official letter grades that are included in GPA.
- Use the correct credit hours for each course.
- Exclude Satisfactory/No Credit, Audit, Withdrawn, and Incomplete grades.
- For repeated courses, include only the most recent grade.
This calculator is intended to match the University of Pittsburgh’s official term and cumulative GPA calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh officially reports the following GPA types:
- Term GPA, reflecting performance in a single academic term.
- Cumulative GPA, reflecting all completed coursework at the same academic level.
Not all students will see every GPA type, and some schools may report additional internal GPA measures. This calculator aligns with term and cumulative GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA includes all University of Pittsburgh undergraduate coursework taken for letter grades that are designated as GPA-bearing. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 is generally required for graduation and good academic standing.
Undergraduate GPA by Faculty / School
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences | Yes | 4.00 scale | Standard letter grading applies |
| Swanson School of Engineering | Yes | 4.00 scale | Uses University grade points |
| Pitt Business | Yes | 4.00 scale | Letter-graded courses included |
| College of General Studies | Yes | 4.00 scale | S/NC courses do not affect GPA |
| School of Nursing | Yes | 4.00 scale | Program standards may apply |
| Other Schools | Yes | 4.00 scale | Refer to school-specific policies |
Official GPA Scale
The University of Pittsburgh publishes the following grade-to-points scale:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.00 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A– | 3.75 |
| B+ | 3.25 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B– | 2.75 |
| C+ | 2.25 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C– | 1.75 |
| D+ | 1.25 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D– | 0.75 |
| F | 0.00 |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses | Satisfactory / No Credit (S/NC) |
| Most recent grade for repeated courses | Withdrawn (W) |
| Graduate letter-graded coursework | Incomplete (I) |
| Audit grades |
Miscounts most often occur when non-letter grades or excluded repeats are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Pittsburgh
Each course contributes to GPA based on its credit value. Credit hours are multiplied by the grade’s point value to calculate quality points. Courses with more credits have a greater impact on GPA.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Credit Hours
Example:
- 3 credits earned with a B (3.00) = 9.00 quality points
- 4 credits earned with an A– (3.75) = 15.00 quality points
Total quality points: 24.00
Total GPA credits: 7
Resulting GPA: 3.43
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated under University policy, only the most recent grade is used in GPA calculations. Earlier attempts remain on the transcript but are excluded from GPA totals.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some transcript grades appear on the academic record but do not affect GPA. These include Satisfactory, No Credit, Withdrawn, Incomplete, and Audit grades.
Graduate GPA
Graduate and professional programs at the University of Pittsburgh use the same 4.00 GPA scale and grade-point assignments as undergraduate programs. Minimum GPA requirements for good standing, progression, and graduation vary by program.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S/NC or Audit courses in GPA calculations
- Counting both attempts of a repeated course
- Misapplying credit hours to grade points
- Assuming all transcript grades affect GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an A+ increase my GPA above 4.00 at Pitt?
No. An A+ carries the same value as an A and is assigned 4.00 grade points. It does not raise GPA above the 4.00 scale.
Are Satisfactory or No Credit grades included in GPA?
No. S and NC grades appear on the transcript but do not count toward GPA credit hours or quality points.
How are repeated courses handled in GPA calculations?
Only the most recent grade earned in a repeated course is included in GPA calculations. Earlier grades remain visible but are excluded.
Is GPA calculated separately for each semester?
Yes. The University calculates both a term GPA for each semester and a cumulative GPA across all completed coursework.
Do graduate students use a different GPA scale?
No. Graduate students use the same 4.00 GPA scale, although academic standing requirements differ by program.
Related Official University Links
- University of Pittsburgh Undergraduate Catalog – Grading and Academic Records
https://catalog.upp.pitt.edu/ - University of Pittsburgh Registrar – Student Grades
https://www.registrar.pitt.edu/student-grades - University of Pittsburgh Office of the Provost – University Grading Policy
https://www.provost.pitt.edu/university-grading - University of Pittsburgh Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog
https://catalog.upp.pitt.edu/content.php?catoid=210
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of Pittsburgh academic and registrar documentation. Official Registrar records and transcripts govern all final GPA calculations.