How Texas A&M University Calculates GPA
Texas A&M University (TAMU) uses a 4.0 scale for calculating GPA, like most major universities. Your GPA is based on the total number of grade points earned divided by the total number of semester credit hours attempted for courses where a letter grade is assigned.
Only grades earned in TAMU coursework (not transfer credits) are used in the official TAMU GPA.
GPA Types at Texas A&M
TAMU keeps track of several GPA types, but the main ones students see on their transcript are:
- Cumulative GPA – All TAMU courses taken to date.
- Term GPA – GPA for a single semester.
- Degree GPA – Includes only coursework that applies to a student’s degree plan.
- Major GPA – Courses required for the major, helpful for departmental honors or professional school applications.
TAMU Grade Scale
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Texas A&M letter grade system and corresponding grade points:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| B | 3.00 |
| C | 2.00 |
| D | 1.00 |
| F | 0.00 |
| S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) | Not included in GPA |
Note: Grades like W (Withdrawn) and Q-drop are not factored into your GPA.
Plus/Minus Grading?
Unlike many universities, Texas A&M does not use a plus/minus grading system. That means a 91 and a 98 both count as an “A” and give the same 4.0 grade points. Some professors may show numerical grades, but only the letter grade goes on your transcript.
College or Department-Specific GPA Policies
Most colleges within TAMU follow the standard grading scale. However, some programs (especially Engineering, Business, and Vet Med) have minimum GPA requirements for staying in the major or applying for upper-level (a.k.a. “upper division”) coursework.
For example:
- College of Engineering: Requires a minimum 2.5 GPA for continuation and upper-level entry.
- Mays Business School: Competitive entry into upper-level business courses often demands a competitive GPA, usually above 3.0.
Students should always double-check with their academic advisor or department for GPA thresholds specific to their major.
GPA Calculation Example
Let’s say you took these classes this semester:
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 4 | A | 4.00 × 4 = 16.00 |
| Chemistry | 3 | B | 3.00 × 3 = 9.00 |
| English | 3 | C | 2.00 × 3 = 6.00 |
| History | 3 | A | 4.00 × 3 = 12.00 |
Total grade points = 43.00
Total credit hours = 13
GPA = 43.00 / 13 = 3.31
Repeating Courses and GPA
If you repeat a course at TAMU, both grades stay on your transcript, but only the most recent grade counts toward your GPA.
Example: If you got a “D” in Math 141 and later retook it for a “B”, the D stays on record, but only the B contributes to your cumulative GPA.
Academic Probation and GPA Minimums
You’ll need to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA to remain in good standing at TAMU. Falling below that can land you on academic probation or suspension, depending on your college’s policies.
References
Here are official Texas A&M pages where you can learn more: