How GPA Works at the University of Houston
At the University of Houston (UH), your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a measure of your academic performance based on a 4.0 scale. Each letter grade you earn in a course is assigned a numeric value, which is then weighted by the number of credit hours the course is worth. Your cumulative GPA is the average of all these values across your coursework at UH.
Both semester GPA (just one term) and cumulative GPA (entire academic record) are important. Some colleges within UH also look at major GPA (just courses in your major), especially when determining eligibility for graduation, honors, or academic standing.
UH GPA Grade Scale
Here’s the standard 4.0 GPA scale used by UH:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Only letter-graded courses (not pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory) are factored into your GPA.
How to Calculate Your GPA
Here’s a quick example:
Say you take four courses:
- ENGL 1301 (3 credits) = A → 3 × 4.00 = 12.00
- HIST 1377 (3 credits) = B → 3 × 3.00 = 9.00
- MATH 1314 (3 credits) = C+ → 3 × 2.33 = 6.99
- BIOL 1306 (4 credits) = B− → 4 × 2.67 = 10.68
Total Grade Points = 38.67
Total Credit Hours = 13
GPA = 38.67 ÷ 13 = 2.98
Boom—you’ve got your GPA!
Important GPA Rules at UH
- You need a minimum 2.0 GPA to remain in good academic standing.
- UH has a three-strikes policy for academic probation and suspension. If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, you’re put on probation.
- Grade Replacement: You can retake a course, and if eligible, replace the previous grade in your GPA calculation.
- Withdrawals (W) and Incompletes (I) don’t affect your GPA.
- Transferred courses don’t count in your UH GPA, but they may count for credit.
Faculty or Departmental Differences
Some UH colleges have additional GPA rules:
| College/Program | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bauer College of Business | Requires a 2.5 GPA in pre-business courses for major declaration. |
| College of Engineering | GPA requirements vary by major; often 2.5–2.75 for upper-level entry. |
| College of Education | Requires 2.5 GPA for admission into teacher certification programs. |
| Honors College | Students must maintain a minimum 3.25 GPA to stay in good standing. |
Always check with your specific college or department for tailored GPA requirements!