How GPA Is Defined at University of Rochester
At the University of Rochester, undergraduate GPA is calculated as a cumulative grade point average using a 4.0 scale. Each letter grade is assigned a specific grade point value. GPA is determined by dividing total quality points by the total number of credit hours for courses that receive standard letter grades. Only courses graded with letter grades are included in GPA calculations. Grades such as Satisfactory, Pass, Incomplete, Withdrawal, or No Grade are excluded.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | Graduate students |
| Students with letter-graded coursework | Courses graded Pass/Fail or Satisfactory |
| Rochester-completed courses | Transfer and AP credits |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Collect all completed courses with letter grades.
- Confirm the correct credit value for each course.
- Exclude courses graded Pass, Satisfactory, Incomplete, Withdrawal, or No Grade.
- Do not include transfer or AP credits.
This calculator is intended to match the undergraduate cumulative GPA calculated by the University of Rochester.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Rochester
- Cumulative GPA: Includes all eligible undergraduate coursework.
- Semester GPA: Includes coursework from a single academic term.
Not all students will see every GPA type. This calculator matches the undergraduate cumulative GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated consistently across most academic divisions using the same grading scale and quality-point system, though grading options may vary by school.
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Arts & Sciences | Yes | 4.0 | Standard letter grades apply |
| Hajim School of Engineering | Yes | 4.0 | Letter grades required for GPA |
| Eastman School of Music | Yes | 4.0 | Some courses may be Pass/Fail |
| School of Nursing | Yes | 4.0 | Uses university grading scale |
| Graduate Programs | No GPA reported | — | See Graduate GPA section |
Official GPA 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 |
| E | 0.0 |
Grades without grade points are excluded from GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses | Pass / Satisfactory grades |
| Failed letter-graded courses | Incomplete (I) |
| Rochester-graded coursework | Withdrawals (W) |
| No Grade (N) | |
| Transfer and AP credit |
Miscounts typically occur when non-letter grades or transfer credits are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Rochester
Each course’s credit value determines its weight in GPA calculations. Courses with more credits contribute more heavily to total quality points.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Credit Hours
Example:
A student completes three courses:
- 4 credits with an A = 16.0 quality points
- 3 credits with a B+ = 9.9 quality points
- 3 credits with a C = 6.0 quality points
Total quality points: 31.9
Total GPA credits: 10
Cumulative GPA: 3.19
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
The University of Rochester does not publish a universal grade replacement policy within its general grading scale. Repeated courses remain on the transcript, and GPA treatment follows registrar-specific repeat policies.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
All grades appear on the academic transcript, but only eligible letter grades affect the GPA calculation.
Graduate GPA
The University of Rochester generally does not report an official GPA for graduate students. Many graduate programs use Pass/Fail or alternative grading systems. Program-specific academic standing is determined by departmental policy.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass or Satisfactory grades in GPA calculations
- Counting transfer or AP credits toward GPA
- Using incorrect grade-point values
- Including withdrawn or incomplete courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Rochester include Pass/Fail courses in GPA?
No. Pass, Satisfactory, and similar non-letter grades do not generate grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are transfer or AP credits included in GPA?
No. Transfer and AP credits may count toward degree requirements but are not included in the University of Rochester GPA.
Do failed courses count toward GPA?
Yes. Failed courses that receive a letter grade are included in GPA calculations with zero quality points.
Is GPA calculated for graduate students?
No GPA is officially reported for most graduate programs at the University of Rochester.
What GPA is required for good academic standing?
Undergraduates are generally required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain in good academic standing.
Related Official University Links
- University of Rochester Registrar — Grading Policies
https://www.rochester.edu/college/ccas/handbook/grading-system.html - University of Rochester Undergraduate Bulletin — Academic Policies
https://www.rochester.edu/bulletin/college/grading.html - University of Rochester Graduate Studies Handbook — Grading
https://www.rochester.edu/college/gradstudies/graduate-handbook/academic/grading.html
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of Rochester registrar and academic policy documentation. Official university records and transcripts determine final GPA calculations.