How GPA Works at TCU
At TCU, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of your academic performance. It’s calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. TCU maintains two types of GPAs:
- Semester GPA: Based on courses taken during a specific term.
- Cumulative GPA: Based on all coursework attempted at TCU.
It’s important to note that only courses taken at TCU are included in the GPA calculation. Transfer credits, pass/no-credit courses, and credits earned by examination are not factored into your GPA.
TCU Grade Scale
TCU uses a standard 4.0 grading scale. Here’s how letter grades correspond to grade points:
| 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 |
Grades of “P” (Pass) and “NC” (No Credit) are used for courses taken on a pass/no-credit basis and do not affect the GPA.
GPA Calculation Example
To calculate your GPA, multiply the grade points for each course by the number of credit hours, sum these values, and then divide by the total number of credit hours attempted.
Example:
- Course 1: A (4.0) in a 3-credit course = 12.0 grade points
- Course 2: B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit course = 13.2 grade points
- Course 3: C (2.0) in a 3-credit course = 6.0 grade points
Total grade points = 12.0 + 13.2 + 6.0 = 31.2
Total credit hours = 3 + 4 + 3 = 10
GPA = 31.2 ÷ 10 = 3.12
TCU provides an online GPA calculator to assist students in computing their GPA.
Repeating Courses
If you retake a course at TCU, only the most recent grade is used in your GPA calculation, although all attempts will appear on your transcript. If a course is repeated at another institution, the TCU grade is the one that counts toward your GPA.
Pass/No-Credit Option
Undergraduates may elect to take up to two courses (maximum of 8 credit hours) on a pass/no-credit (P/NC) basis. A grade of “P” indicates performance equivalent to a “C-” or better and earns credit hours but does not affect the GPA. A grade of “NC” indicates performance below “C-” and does not earn credit or affect the GPA. Courses required for a major, minor, or associated requirements cannot be taken on a P/NC basis.
Departmental GPA Policies
Some departments have specific GPA requirements:
- Communication Studies: Students must have a combined GPA of 2.5 in certain prerequisite courses to enroll in advanced courses.
- Graduate Programs: Graduate students are generally required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing.