How GPA Works at Rutgers University–New Brunswick
At Rutgers–New Brunswick, your GPA is a key academic metric used to track your academic progress and determine your eligibility for honors, scholarships, and graduation. Whether you’re a first-year student or gearing up for graduation, understanding how your GPA is calculated can help you plan your academic path smartly.
Rutgers uses a 4.0 GPA scale, which is standard across many U.S. colleges and universities. But different schools and programs within Rutgers may apply some of their own policies when it comes to grades and GPA impact—so don’t skip the fine print (or this guide)!
Rutgers GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| B+ | 3.5 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C+ | 2.5 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
| Pass (P) | Not calculated |
| No Credit (NC) | Not calculated |
| Incomplete (IN) | Not calculated |
| TZ (Temporary Z) | Not calculated |
Note: Courses with a Pass/No Credit grade option do not factor into your GPA.
How to Calculate Your GPA at Rutgers
To find your GPA:
- Multiply the number of credits for each class by the grade points earned.
- Add those results to get your total grade points.
- Divide the total grade points by the total number of graded credits.
Example:
If you got an A in a 3-credit course, a B+ in a 4-credit course, and a C in a 3-credit course:
- A (4.0) × 3 = 12.0
- B+ (3.5) × 4 = 14.0
- C (2.0) × 3 = 6.0
Total grade points = 32.0
Total credits = 10
GPA = 32.0 ÷ 10 = 3.2
Department and School Variations
Rutgers–New Brunswick is a big place with many schools (like the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, School of Communication and Information, etc.), and while the grading scale is consistent, the academic standing policies and GPA requirements for honors may vary slightly.
Here are a few highlights:
School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)
- Dean’s List: Semester GPA of 3.5 or higher, with at least 12 credits of letter-graded coursework.
- Graduation Honors:
- Cum Laude: GPA ≥ 3.5
- Magna Cum Laude: GPA ≥ 3.75
- Summa Cum Laude: GPA ≥ 3.9
School of Engineering
- GPA minimums vary for advancement within majors.
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA to stay in good academic standing.
Rutgers Business School
- Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to continue in business majors.
- For graduation with honors:
- Cum Laude: GPA ≥ 3.5
- Magna Cum Laude: GPA ≥ 3.7
- Summa Cum Laude: GPA ≥ 3.9
S/U Grading Option (Pass/No Credit)
Rutgers allows a Pass/No Credit (S/U) grading option for some undergraduate courses, typically limited to electives. Here’s the scoop:
- Satisfactory (S) = Pass (C or better)
- Unsatisfactory (U) = No Credit (C- or lower)
- These grades do not affect GPA, but the course must be approved in advance and there are limits on how many you can use.
Grade Forgiveness Policy?
Rutgers does not offer a formal grade forgiveness policy. If you retake a course, both grades remain on your transcript, but only the higher grade counts toward your major GPA (in some departments), not the overall GPA. Check with your school’s advising office for how repeats are handled in your program.
Final Words
Rutgers makes it fairly easy to track your GPA through its Degree Navigator and myRutgers portal, so keep tabs on your progress and connect with an academic advisor if you’re unsure how your GPA might be affected by retakes, withdrawals, or academic probation policies.