How UMass Amherst Calculates GPA
At UMass Amherst, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of your academic performance. It’s calculated by multiplying the credit hours of each course by the grade point you earn in that course, summing those values, and dividing by the total number of graded credit hours.
Let’s break it down in student terms: your GPA = (Quality Points) ÷ (Graded Credit Hours). So, both your grades and the number of credits each class carries really matter.
Grade Scale at UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst uses a standard 4.0 grading scale with plus/minus grades. Here’s how it looks:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
Courses taken as Pass/Fail, Audit, or Incomplete do not contribute to GPA calculation.
Special Grading Symbols You Might See
- P – Pass (does not affect GPA)
- F – Fail (counts as 0.0 in GPA)
- INC – Incomplete (temporary, not included in GPA until completed)
- W – Withdrawal (no impact on GPA)
- AUD – Audit (not graded or factored into GPA)
Departmental GPA Policies
UMass Amherst is made up of many colleges and departments, and some of them might have stricter GPA rules, especially for honors or progression. Here are some examples:
College of Engineering
- Requires a minimum 2.0 GPA in both overall and departmental (major) courses to stay in good standing.
Isenberg School of Management
- Competitive programs such as Accounting and Finance may require higher GPAs (around 3.0 or more) for upper-level course access.
Commonwealth Honors College
- Students must maintain a 3.4 GPA to stay in the program.
Not all departments have these kinds of variations, but it’s always smart to check your major’s handbook or advisor if you’re unsure.
GPA Calculators & Transcript Notes
UMass Amherst provides students access to GPA calculators and unofficial transcript tools via SPIRE, the university’s student information system. This can help you forecast your GPA or set target grades for a desired GPA boost.
Also, repeated courses: only the most recent grade counts in your GPA, but both attempts appear on your transcript.
Final Tip
If your GPA is looking a little lower than you’d like, take advantage of UMass Amherst’s academic resources—like tutoring, study skills workshops, and advising. A strong GPA helps with scholarships, grad school applications, and job opportunities after college.