How GPA Works at Syracuse University
Whether you’re trying to make the Dean’s List, avoid academic probation, or just curious where you stand, understanding Syracuse University’s GPA system is key. Like most U.S. colleges, Syracuse uses a 4.0 scale, but there are some unique features and policies worth knowing.
Let’s break it all down.
Syracuse’s Grade Scale and GPA Values
At Syracuse University, final letter grades are assigned specific grade points. Here’s the official grade-to-GPA conversion:
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A– | 3.667 |
| B+ | 3.333 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B– | 2.667 |
| C+ | 2.333 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C– | 1.667 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
| I (Incomplete) | 0.0 (until resolved) |
| P (Pass) | Not calculated in GPA |
| NA (Not Available) | Not calculated in GPA |
How Your GPA Is Calculated
Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total credit hours attempted (only including letter-graded courses). Here’s a step-by-step snapshot:
- Multiply each course’s credit hours by the GPA value of the grade earned.
- Add up all grade points.
- Add up all credit hours for graded courses.
- Divide total grade points by total graded credit hours.
Example:
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing 105 | 3 | A | 12.0 |
| BIO 121 | 4 | B+ | 13.332 |
| MAT 285 | 4 | B | 12.0 |
Total GPA Points: 37.332
Total Credits: 11
GPA: 37.332 ÷ 11 = 3.39
Special Grade Policies
- Pass/Fail Courses: Grades of “P” (Pass) earn credit but don’t affect your GPA.
- Incomplete Grades (I): Don’t count toward GPA until a final grade is entered.
- Repeated Courses: When a class is repeated, only the most recent grade is used in GPA calculations—even if the earlier grade was higher.
Grading Differences by College or Program
Syracuse University does not significantly vary its GPA scale across colleges (like the College of Arts and Sciences vs. the Whitman School of Management), but:
- Law School and Graduate Programs often have separate grading policies.
- Some graduate courses may use higher thresholds for academic warning or probation (e.g., GPA below 3.0).
- Always check your specific program’s academic handbook for nuanced rules.
Honors and GPA Benchmarks
To qualify for certain honors, your cumulative GPA must hit specific marks:
| Honor | GPA Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dean’s List | 3.40 or above (full-time students) |
| Cum Laude | 3.40–3.59 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.60–3.79 |
| Summa Cum Laude | 3.80–4.00 |
Note: These GPA thresholds may vary slightly by school or program.