How GPA Works at the University of Delaware
At the University of Delaware, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a key measure of your academic performance. It’s calculated based on the grades you earn in your courses and the number of credits each course carries. Most courses at UD are worth 3–4 credits, and your GPA reflects both the quality of your grades and the weight of the courses.
UD uses a 4.0 grading scale, which is pretty standard across U.S. universities. But they have their own policies for things like repeats, pass/fail options, and academic standing that you should be aware of.
UD Grade Scale
Here’s how letter grades convert into GPA points at the University of Delaware:
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Z | 0.0 (Unofficial Withdrawal) |
| X | No credit (Audited Course) |
| P | Pass (Not factored into GPA) |
| W | Withdrawal (Not factored into GPA) |
GPA Calculation Breakdown
To calculate your GPA at UD:
- Multiply the GPA value of each grade by the number of credit hours the course is worth.
- Add all those numbers together to get the total grade points.
- Divide the total grade points by the total number of credit hours you attempted (excluding Pass/Fail and Withdrawals).
Example:
If you took 4 courses and got:
- A in a 3-credit course → 4.0 × 3 = 12
- B+ in a 3-credit course → 3.3 × 3 = 9.9
- C in a 4-credit course → 2.0 × 4 = 8
- F in a 3-credit course → 0.0 × 3 = 0
Total grade points = 12 + 9.9 + 8 + 0 = 29.9
Total attempted credits = 13
GPA = 29.9 / 13 = 2.30
Special GPA Policies at UD
Repeating Courses
If you repeat a course at UD, the new grade replaces the original one only the first time you retake it. After that, both grades are factored into your GPA.
Pass/Fail Option
You can take one course per semester on a Pass/Fail basis, but this option can’t be used for major, minor, or University breadth requirements. A “P” earns you credit but has no effect on GPA.
Academic Standing
- Good Standing: Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Academic Probation: GPA below 2.0.
- Dismissal: If GPA continues to stay low or doesn’t improve significantly after being on probation.
Departmental Differences
While UD follows a universal grading scale, some programs (especially in Engineering, Nursing, and Education) may require higher minimum grades in major courses to stay in the program. Always double-check with your academic advisor or department for these specifics.