How GPA Is Defined at Princeton University
Princeton University does not officially compute or certify a Grade Point Average (GPA) and does not include a GPA or class rank on official transcripts. When a GPA is required by an external institution or organization, students may calculate an unofficial GPA using the grade conversion method published by the Office of the Registrar.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Students required to report a GPA for external applications | Official Princeton transcripts |
| Alumni completing forms that require a GPA | Internal academic standing or honors determinations |
| Graduate or professional school applications requesting GPA | Any GPA reported or certified by Princeton |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Gather all letter grades earned in completed courses
- Confirm the credit value (semester hours) for each course
- Exclude courses graded Pass, Audit, Incomplete, or Withdrawn
This calculator is intended to match Princeton’s registrar-provided GPA conversion method for external reporting only.
Types of GPA Reported at Princeton University
- Official GPA: No GPA reported
- Unofficial GPA (external use): Calculated by students when required by outside institutions
Not all students will ever need to calculate a GPA, and Princeton does not maintain GPA records.
Undergraduate GPA
Princeton does not report an official undergraduate GPA. When an undergraduate student needs to report a GPA externally, letter grades may be converted to grade points using the registrar’s published scale.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate programs | No GPA reported | N/A | GPA is not recorded or certified by the university |
Official GPA Scale
Princeton provides the following grade-to-point conversion for students who must calculate a GPA for external purposes:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 |
| 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 | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
An A+ is treated the same as an A in this conversion.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses (A–F) | Audit (AUD) |
| Courses with assigned credit value | Pass (P) |
| Completed courses with final grades | Incomplete (Inc) |
| Withdrawn (W) |
Miscounts typically occur when non-graded courses are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Princeton University
Each course is weighted by its semester hour value. Most standard undergraduate courses carry four semester hours, though some courses may carry different credit values. Grade points are multiplied by course units before averaging.
How GPA Is Calculated
The registrar’s method uses the following formula:
Total quality points ÷ Total semester hours = GPA
Example:
- Course A: A (4.0) × 4 hours = 16.0 quality points
- Course B: B+ (3.3) × 4 hours = 13.2 quality points
Total quality points: 29.2
Total hours: 8
GPA: 3.65
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Because Princeton does not officially calculate GPA, there are no registrar-defined GPA rules for repeated courses. Official transcripts list all grades earned, but no GPA is recalculated or replaced.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Princeton transcripts display letter grades and course credits only. GPA calculations are performed externally and are not verified or certified by the university.
Graduate GPA
Princeton University does not report an official graduate GPA. Graduate programs record grades and academic standing without issuing a cumulative GPA. Any GPA required for external reporting must be calculated independently using the registrar’s conversion method, if applicable.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Assuming Princeton reports an official GPA
- Including Pass, Audit, or Withdrawn courses
- Using incorrect credit values for nonstandard courses
- Treating an A+ as higher than 4.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Princeton University calculate or report a GPA?
No. Princeton does not calculate, certify, or display a GPA on official transcripts. Students calculate a GPA only when required by an outside institution.
Is an A+ worth more than an A at Princeton?
No. When converting grades for external GPA reporting, A+ and A are both treated as 4.0.
Can I include Pass/Fail courses in my GPA?
No. Courses graded Pass, Audit, Incomplete, or Withdrawn are excluded from GPA calculations.
How many credits is a typical Princeton course?
Most undergraduate courses carry four semester hours, though some courses may carry different credit values.
Do graduate students have a Princeton GPA?
No. Princeton does not issue a cumulative GPA for graduate students.
Related Official University Links
- Princeton University Office of the Registrar — Transcript and Verification Services
https://registrar.princeton.edu/student-and-alumni-services/transcript-and-verification-services - Princeton University Office of the Registrar — Assessments and Grading
https://registrar.princeton.edu/faculty-and-department-resources/assessments-and-grading - Princeton University Office of the Registrar
https://registrar.princeton.edu/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available Princeton University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and registrar records govern all final academic determinations.