How GPA Works at Purdue
At Purdue University, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a number that reflects your academic performance, calculated on a 4.0 scale. Every letter grade you receive in a course earns a corresponding number of grade points. These are then averaged based on credit hours to determine your semester and cumulative GPA.
Purdue calculates two key GPAs:
- Semester GPA – based only on that term’s grades
- Cumulative GPA – includes all graded coursework taken at Purdue
Note: Only courses taken at Purdue or through approved Purdue programs count toward your official GPA. Transfer credits may count for degree progress but won’t affect your GPA.
Purdue’s Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| D– | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
To compute GPA:
- Multiply each course’s credit hours by its grade points.
- Add these totals together.
- Divide by the total credit hours attempted for GPA.
Special Grading Notes
- S/U Grades (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory): Do not affect GPA.
- W (Withdrawal): No impact on GPA.
- I (Incomplete): Temporarily excluded until resolved.
- Pass/No Pass (P/N): Not factored into GPA unless the student fails (receives an “N” or “NP”).
Differences by College or Program
Most grading policies are consistent across the university, but some colleges (like Engineering, Pharmacy, or Krannert School of Management) may set minimum GPA requirements for staying in the program, progressing through a major, or graduating.
For example:
- College of Engineering: Students typically must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to stay in good standing.
- College of Pharmacy: Often requires C or higher in key courses for progression.
- Krannert School of Management: May impose GPA thresholds for upper-division coursework or internships.
Always check your college’s academic policies in Purdue’s catalog or talk to your academic advisor.