How GPA Is Defined at the University of Alabama
At the University of Alabama (UA), grade point average (GPA) is a numerical summary of academic performance based on letter grades earned in coursework. GPA is calculated using letter grades A through F, including plus and minus grades. Certain grades appear on the transcript but are excluded from GPA calculation. UA reports both an institutional GPA and an overall GPA depending on the coursework included.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Alabama | Courses that receive grades excluded from GPA by policy |
| Transfer students calculating overall GPA using accepted transfer credit | Law school programs with separate grading systems |
| Graduate students in programs that report a GPA | Coursework not accepted for academic credit |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering coursework, confirm the following:
- Only letter grades that carry grade points are entered
- Courses graded Pass, Withdrawn, No Credit, No Grade, or Incomplete are excluded
- Credit hours match the official course credit value
This calculator is intended to match University of Alabama institutional and overall GPA calculations based on published policy.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Alabama
The University of Alabama officially reports multiple GPA values:
- Institutional GPA, based only on coursework completed at UA
- Overall GPA, which includes UA coursework plus accepted transfer credit
Not all students see every GPA type. This calculator aligns with institutional and overall GPA reporting.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated by assigning grade-point values to letter grades, multiplying those values by course credit hours, and dividing the total quality points by total GPA-eligible credit hours attempted. All coursework receiving a letter grade is included, including failed and repeated courses.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.33 scale | Plus/minus grading applies university-wide |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.33 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.67 |
| C+ | 2.33 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.67 |
| D+ | 1.33 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.67 |
| F | 0.00 |
Grades that do not carry grade points appear on the transcript but are excluded from GPA calculations.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with letter grades A–F | Pass (P) |
| Plus and minus grades | Withdrawn (W) |
| Failed courses | No Credit (NC) |
| Repeated courses | No Grade (NA) |
| Incomplete (IN) until resolved |
Miscounts commonly occur when transcript-visible grades that do not carry grade points are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at the University of Alabama
Each course contributes to GPA based on its assigned credit hours. Courses with more credit hours have a proportionally greater impact because grade points are multiplied by the number of credits attempted.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA-Eligible Credit Hours
Example:
- 3-credit course with grade A (4.00) = 12.00 quality points
- 4-credit course with grade B- (2.67) = 10.68 quality points
- 3-credit course with grade C (2.00) = 6.00 quality points
Total quality points: 28.68
Total GPA hours: 10
Calculated GPA: 2.868
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
All repeated courses receiving letter grades are included in GPA calculations. Both original and repeated attempts remain part of the institutional and overall GPA unless an explicitly documented exception applies.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some transcript grades appear for record-keeping but do not affect GPA. These grades are excluded by policy even though they remain visible on the academic record.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is reported only for graduate programs that use GPA-eligible grading systems. Graduate GPA policies may vary by program, but GPA is typically calculated using graduate coursework only.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including transcript grades that are excluded from GPA
- Applying incorrect grade-point values to plus or minus grades
- Omitting repeated or failed coursework that still counts toward GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an A+ treated in the University of Alabama GPA?
An A+ carries a grade-point value of 4.33. While this value is used in GPA calculations, cumulative GPAs are typically reported on a 4.0 scale.
Does transfer credit affect my University of Alabama GPA?
Accepted transfer coursework is included in the overall GPA but does not affect the institutional GPA, which reflects only University of Alabama coursework.
Are Pass/Fail courses included in GPA calculations?
No. Courses graded Pass do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
What happens to my GPA if I receive an Incomplete?
Incomplete grades are excluded from GPA calculations until a final letter grade is submitted and replaces the incomplete.
Are repeated courses included in GPA calculations?
Yes. All attempts of repeated courses that receive letter grades are included in GPA calculations.
Does every student have the same GPA types reported?
No. The GPA types shown depend on enrollment status, transfer history, and academic program.
Related Official University Links
- University of Alabama Undergraduate Catalog — Grades, Grade Points, and GPA
https://catalog.ua.edu/undergraduate/about/academic-regulations/records/grades-grade-points-gpa/ - University of Alabama Graduate Catalog — Grades and Academic Standing
https://catalog.ua.edu/graduate/about/academic-policies/grades-academic-standing/ - University of Alabama Registrar — Academic Records Policies
https://registrar.ua.edu/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available University of Alabama registrar and academic catalog documentation. Official university records and policies govern all final GPA calculations.