How GPA Works at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Whether you’re an Illini newbie or a seasoned junior chasing honors, understanding how GPA is calculated at UIUC is a must. Let’s break it down in plain English—with a sprinkle of GPA wisdom.
The Basics: UIUC’s GPA System
At UIUC, your Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by taking the total number of grade points earned and dividing it by the total number of graded credit hours attempted. Courses taken with a Pass/No Pass option, withdrawals, and certain other marks don’t count in the GPA.
Here’s the scale you’ll be graded on:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.00 |
| 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 |
Note: The university does not award grade points for S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), or CR (Credit) grades. These don’t affect your GPA.
How to Calculate Your GPA
Use this formula:
GPA = Total Grade Points Earned ÷ Total Credit Hours Attempted (for graded courses)
For example, if you took four 3-credit courses and earned A (4.0), B+ (3.33), A− (3.67), and B (3.0), your GPA would be:
(3×4.0 + 3×3.33 + 3×3.67 + 3×3.0) ÷ 12 = 3.5 GPA
Special Grading Policies at UIUC
- Pass/No Pass: You can take some electives with a Pass/No Pass option, but they won’t affect your GPA.
- Repeated Courses: If you retake a course, only the most recent grade counts toward your GPA.
- Incomplete (I): Temporary grade; if work isn’t completed by the deadline, it becomes an F.
- Withdrawals (W): Don’t affect your GPA, but too many can raise eyebrows on your transcript.
GPA Honors at UIUC
If you’re chasing Latin honors, here’s the minimum GPA you’ll need upon graduation:
- Cum Laude: Top 3%–20% of graduates in your college
- Magna Cum Laude: Top 3%–12%
- Summa Cum Laude: Top 3%
Specific cutoffs vary slightly by college and are determined each year.
Faculty or Program-Level Grading Notes
UIUC’s colleges and departments generally use the same grading scale, but a few might have quirks:
- College of Engineering: Tends to be stricter in grading curves.
- Gies College of Business: Uses standard GPA scale but tracks internal GPA for certain program requirements.
- College of Liberal Arts & Sciences: Some gen ed courses are curved based on class performance.
Check with your advisor or college office for the nitty-gritty.