How GPA Is Defined at University of Chicago
The University of Chicago calculates GPA using quality grades that carry numeric grade points on a 4.0 scale. Only grades with assigned grade points are included in GPA calculations. Grades such as Pass, Withdrawn, Incomplete, Audit, or No Grade Reported do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA.
The standard quality grade scale used by the College assigns grade points from A (4.0) through F (0.0) using a plus/minus system.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate College courses graded with quality grades | Pass/Fail (P), Withdrawn (W), Incomplete (I), Audit (R), or No Grade Reported (NGR) |
| Graduate and professional courses that assign numeric grade points | Courses not recorded on the official University of Chicago transcript |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering your information:
- Confirm each course carries a quality grade.
- Enter the correct number of academic units for each course.
- Exclude all courses graded P, W, I, R, or NGR.
- Use only courses that appear on your University of Chicago transcript.
This calculator is intended to match the official GPA recorded by the University Registrar.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Chicago
The University of Chicago may report:
- Term GPA, calculated for a single academic term.
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all terms with quality grades.
Not all students or programs display all GPA types, and reporting practices may vary by school or division. This calculator matches the standard cumulative GPA calculation where GPA is reported.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using only University of Chicago courses that receive quality grades. Grades earned outside the University are not included in GPA unless the course appears on the transcript with a University of Chicago course number and grade.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The College | Yes | 4.0 quality grade scale | Only quality grades are included in GPA |
| Chicago Booth (undergraduate courses) | Yes | Converted to College scale | A+ grades convert to 4.0 |
| Graduate & Professional Schools | Varies by unit | Varies | Some programs do not report GPA |
Official GPA Scale
| 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
Grades that do not carry grade points are excluded from GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with quality grades A–F | Pass (P) |
| Repeated courses (all attempts) | Withdrawn (W) |
| Courses with numeric grade points | Incomplete (I), No Grade Reported (NGR) |
| Approved UChicago courses on transcript | Audit (R) |
GPA miscalculations commonly occur when non-quality grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Chicago
Each course contributes to GPA based on its academic unit value. Grade points are multiplied by course units to determine quality points. GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points by total units attempted with quality grades.
How GPA Is Calculated
The official GPA formula used by the University of Chicago is:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Units with Quality Grades
Example:
- Course A: 3 units × 4.0 = 12.0
- Course B: 4 units × 3.3 = 13.2
- Course C: 3 units × 2.0 = 6.0
Total quality points: 31.2
Total quality units: 10
GPA: 3.12
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, all attempts remain on the transcript and are included in GPA calculations, even if only one attempt may count toward degree requirements.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Official transcripts list all grades received. Only quality grades with assigned grade points are included in GPA calculations. Other transcript marks are excluded from GPA.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA policies vary by school or division. Some graduate programs calculate GPA internally but do not display GPA on official transcripts. Where GPA is reported, it follows the grading rules established by the individual academic unit.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass, Withdrawn, or Incomplete grades in GPA calculations.
- Excluding earlier attempts of repeated courses.
- Including transfer or external coursework not listed with University of Chicago grades.
- Misapplying grading scales from professional schools to College GPA calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum GPA at the University of Chicago?
The maximum GPA reported under the standard quality grade system is 4.0. The College does not award grade points above 4.0.
Do Pass/Fail courses affect GPA at UChicago?
No. Pass grades may satisfy degree requirements when permitted but are not included in GPA calculations.
Are study abroad grades included in GPA?
Only courses that appear on the University of Chicago transcript with a University grade and course number are included in GPA.
Does UChicago use plus and minus grades?
Yes. The College uses a plus/minus grading system with specific grade points assigned to each grade.
Can repeating a course replace a previous grade?
No. Repeating a course does not replace the original grade. All attempts are included in GPA calculations.
Related Official University Links
- University of Chicago Registrar — Grading and GPA
https://registrar.uchicago.edu/records/grading/ - University of Chicago Registrar — GPA Calculation
https://registrar.uchicago.edu/records/grading/gpa/ - University of Chicago College Catalog — Taking Courses and Grades
https://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/takingcourses/ - University of Chicago College Catalog — Academic Standards
https://collegecatalog.uchicago.edu/thecollege/academicstandards/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available University of Chicago Registrar and College Catalog documentation. Official University records and transcripts govern final GPA calculations.