How GPA Is Defined at University of Delaware
The University of Delaware uses a 4.0 quality-point grading system based on letter grades from A through F, including plus and minus designations. Each letter grade is assigned a fixed number of quality points per credit hour. A student’s GPA is calculated by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of quality hours attempted. Passing grades recorded as “P” do not affect GPA, while failing grades and all evaluated letter grades are included.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students taking letter-graded courses at the University of Delaware | Courses taken on a pass/fail basis where the grade is “P” |
| Graduate students in programs that assign letter grades | Transfer coursework completed outside the University of Delaware |
| Students with repeated University of Delaware courses subject to grade forgiveness | Audit or listener courses |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses into the calculator:
- Include only courses with letter grades that earn quality points.
- Exclude pass (“P”), audit, and withdrawal grades.
- Identify any repeated courses that may be eligible for grade forgiveness.
- Do not include transfer coursework.
This calculator is intended to match the official University of Delaware term and cumulative GPA as calculated by the Registrar.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Delaware
The University of Delaware officially reports:
- Term GPA, calculated for an individual semester.
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all University of Delaware coursework.
Not all students will see all GPA types, depending on enrollment status and academic program. This calculator aligns with the standard term and cumulative GPA used by the University.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at the University of Delaware is calculated on a 4.0 scale using all letter-graded coursework completed for credit at the University. Grades earned in transfer courses are not included in the University of Delaware GPA, even though transfer credit may count toward degree requirements.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges and schools | Yes | 4.000 scale | Transfer grades are excluded; repeat rules may apply |
Official GPA Scale
The University of Delaware assigns quality points as follows:
| Letter Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.000 |
| A- | 3.667 |
| B+ | 3.333 |
| B | 3.000 |
| B- | 2.667 |
| C+ | 2.333 |
| C | 2.000 |
| C- | 1.667 |
| D+ | 1.333 |
| D | 1.000 |
| D- | 0.667 |
| F | 0.000 |
| Z | 0.000 |
The grade “Z” is treated as a failing grade for GPA purposes. Passing grades recorded as “P” do not carry quality points.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| All letter-graded courses (A–F, including plus/minus) | Pass (“P”) grades |
| Failing grades, including Z | Withdrawals (W) |
| Repeated course grades subject to forgiveness rules | Audit or listener courses |
Miscounts often occur when pass, withdrawal, or audit grades are mistakenly included despite carrying no quality points.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Delaware
Each course contributes to GPA based on its credit hour value. Quality points are calculated by multiplying the grade’s point value by the number of credits assigned to the course. Courses with more credits have a proportionally greater effect on GPA than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
The University of Delaware uses the following formula:
GPA = Total quality points ÷ Total quality hours attempted
Example calculation:
- 3-credit course with an A: 4.000 × 3 = 12.000 quality points
- 3-credit course with a B+: 3.333 × 3 = 9.999 quality points
- 4-credit course with a C: 2.000 × 4 = 8.000 quality points
Total quality points: 29.999
Total credits attempted: 10
Calculated GPA: 2.999 (reported as 3.00)
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
The University of Delaware applies a Grade Forgiveness Policy for undergraduate students who repeat eligible courses. When approved, the lower grade is excluded from the cumulative GPA calculation, while both attempts remain visible on the transcript. Grade forgiveness applies only under specific conditions and within defined limits.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades may appear on an official transcript but do not affect GPA. These include pass grades, withdrawal notations, and audit or listener designations. Only grades that carry quality points are included in GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate students at the University of Delaware receive GPAs calculated using the same 4.0 quality-point scale. Most graduate programs require students to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for continued enrollment and degree completion. Program-specific rules may apply.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including pass (“P”) grades in GPA calculations.
- Counting withdrawn or audited courses toward attempted credits.
- Assuming transfer grades affect the University of Delaware GPA.
- Misapplying grade forgiveness to ineligible courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA scale does the University of Delaware use?
The University of Delaware uses a 4.0 scale with plus and minus grades. Each letter grade has a fixed quality-point value that is used consistently across undergraduate and graduate programs.
Do pass/fail courses affect my GPA?
No. A passing grade recorded as “P” does not carry quality points and does not affect GPA. A failing grade earned under pass/fail grading is included in GPA.
Are transfer course grades included in my University of Delaware GPA?
No. Transfer coursework may count toward degree requirements, but the grades earned are not included in the University of Delaware GPA calculation.
Can I improve my GPA by repeating a course?
The University allows grade forgiveness for eligible repeated courses under defined conditions. When approved, the lower grade is excluded from GPA but remains on the transcript.
Do withdrawals affect GPA?
Withdrawn courses do not affect GPA because they do not earn credit or quality points.
How is cumulative GPA different from term GPA?
Term GPA reflects grades earned in a single semester. Cumulative GPA reflects all University of Delaware coursework included in GPA calculation across multiple terms.
Is graduate GPA calculated differently from undergraduate GPA?
The calculation method and scale are the same, but graduate programs typically enforce stricter minimum GPA requirements for academic standing.
Related Official University Links
- University of Delaware Registrar — Grading and GPA Policies
https://catalog.udel.edu/ - University of Delaware Undergraduate Academic Catalog — Grading System
https://catalog.udel.edu/undergraduate/ - University of Delaware Academic Policies — Records and Registration
https://www.udel.edu/students/records/ - University of Delaware Graduate Catalog — Grading and Academic Standing
https://catalog.udel.edu/graduate/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This GPA calculator guide is based on publicly available University of Delaware registrar and academic catalog documentation. Official GPA calculations are determined solely by the University of Delaware Registrar and reflected on the official academic transcript.