How GPA Is Defined at University of Miami
At the University of Miami, Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated as the ratio of total quality points earned to total credit hours attempted for courses that award quality points. Quality points are assigned to letter grades using the University’s official 4.00 grading scale. GPA is calculated by dividing the sum of quality points by the total number of credit hours attempted.
For graduation purposes, the cumulative GPA used may be either the GPA earned solely at the University of Miami or a combined GPA that includes University of Miami coursework and applicable external coursework, depending on academic policy.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students at the University of Miami | Courses graded CR, NC, W, I, or NG |
| Graduate students in programs that use letter grades | Programs that use pass/fail or alternative grading systems |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering your coursework, confirm the following:
- Only include courses with letter grades that carry quality points.
- Exclude courses graded CR, NC, W, I, or NG unless officially converted to letter grades.
- Use the official credit hours listed on your University of Miami academic record.
This GPA calculator is intended to match the official GPA calculation used by the University Registrar.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Miami
The University of Miami officially reports multiple GPA types. Not all students will see every GPA type.
- Term GPA: GPA calculated for a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA: GPA calculated across all applicable coursework
- Graduation GPA: GPA used to determine degree completion and academic honors
This calculator aligns with the cumulative GPA calculation.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated by assigning quality points to each letter grade, multiplying those points by the course’s credit hours, and dividing the total quality points by total attempted credit hours that carry quality points. Courses without quality points are excluded from the calculation.
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts & Sciences | Yes | 4.00 | Standard undergraduate grading scale |
| Miami Herbert Business School | Yes | 4.00 | Standard undergraduate grading scale |
| Frost School of Music | Yes | 4.00 | Standard undergraduate grading scale |
| School of Law | Yes | 4.00 | Uses distinct grade symbols specific to law programs |
| Miller School of Medicine | Varies | Pass/Fail predominant | Many courses do not calculate GPA |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.00 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| E / F / IF / XF | 0.00 |
Grades of CR do not carry quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses with quality points | CR / NC courses |
| Courses graded A through F | W (Withdrawn) |
| IF and XF grades | I and NG until resolved |
Miscounts commonly occur when non-GPA grades are mistakenly included in calculations.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Miami
Each course contributes to GPA based on its credit hours. Courses with more credit hours carry proportionally more weight in GPA calculations than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours Attempted
Example:
- 3 credits with a B (3.00) = 9.00 quality points
- 4 credits with an A (4.00) = 16.00 quality points
- 3 credits with a B+ (3.30) = 9.90 quality points
Total quality points: 34.90
Total credit hours: 10
Calculated GPA: 3.49
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Policies governing repeated coursework and GPA treatment vary by academic unit. Repeated grades may remain on the transcript and may or may not be excluded from GPA, depending on official University policy.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades and symbols appear on transcripts but do not affect GPA calculations. These include CR, W, NG, and I. IF and XF grades are treated as failing grades and carry quality points of 0.00.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated using the same quality-point method as undergraduate GPA. Most graduate programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for degree completion. Individual programs may impose additional grading requirements.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including CR, W, or NG grades in GPA calculations
- Using unofficial credit hour values
- Confusing transcript appearance with GPA inclusion
- Assuming all programs calculate GPA identically
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum GPA at the University of Miami?
The maximum GPA awarded by the University of Miami is 4.00. Grades above 4.00 are not issued, and A+ grades carry the same value as an A.
Do Credit/No Credit courses affect GPA?
No. Courses graded CR or NC award credit only and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are transfer grades included in my GPA?
Transfer grades are not included in the standard University of Miami GPA, though they may be considered for graduation honors under specific policies.
Does an A+ increase my GPA above 4.00?
No. An A+ carries 4.00 quality points, the same as an A.
How are incomplete grades handled in GPA calculations?
Incomplete grades do not affect GPA until replaced with a letter grade. If unresolved, they convert to IF and carry 0.00 quality points.
Related Official University Links
- University of Miami Registrar — GPA Calculation
https://registrar.miami.edu/general-information/policies/gpa-calculation/ - University of Miami Undergraduate Academic Bulletin — Grades and GPA
https://bulletin.miami.edu/general-university-information/undergraduate-policies-and-procedures/grades/ - University of Miami Graduate Academic Grading Policies
https://bulletin.miami.edu/graduate-student-handbook-online-students/graduate-grading/ - University of Miami School of Law — Grading Information
https://student.law.miami.edu/exams-grades/grades/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available University of Miami registrar and academic policy documentation. Official University transcripts and Registrar determinations govern final GPA calculations.