How GPA Works at the University of Maryland
At UMD, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical snapshot of your academic performance. It’s calculated on a 4.0 scale, and each letter grade is tied to a specific quality point. This GPA appears on your transcript and can affect academic standing, honors, scholarships, and even internships.
The formula is straightforward:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Hours
Let’s break that down. Each course you take has:
- A letter grade (e.g., A, B+, C−)
- A number of credit hours (typically 3 or 4)
- An assigned point value (explained below)
Multiply the point value by the credit hours to get quality points. Add up all quality points, divide by the total credit hours, and voilà—your GPA.
UMD’s Official Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 |
| 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 |
| D− | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
Note: UMD does not award an A+ that exceeds 4.0. A+ and A are treated equally at 4.0.
Special Grading Symbols (No GPA Impact)
UMD uses several grades that don’t factor into your GPA:
- P (Pass)
- S (Satisfactory)
- W (Withdrawal)
- I (Incomplete)
- AU (Audit)
- NG (No Grade)
These appear on your transcript but won’t help or hurt your GPA. However, they might still count toward attempted credits.
GPA Policies by College or Program
While the core grading scale is university-wide, some UMD programs have extra requirements or stricter GPA expectations:
| College/Program | Notes |
|---|---|
| College of Computer, Math, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) | Students often must maintain a minimum GPA (e.g., 2.0) in major-specific courses to stay in good standing. |
| College of Engineering | Requires at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, but certain majors have higher thresholds for progression. |
| Robert H. Smith School of Business | Typically requires a 2.0 GPA in upper-level major courses for graduation eligibility. |
| Honors College | Students must maintain a minimum GPA, usually 3.2 or above, depending on the specific program (e.g., Gemstone, University Honors). |
If you’re in a selective major or honors program, double-check your department’s rules—some have probation policies or course retake limits based on GPA.
Academic Standing
UMD categorizes academic performance based on GPA:
- Good Standing: GPA ≥ 2.0
- Academic Warning: GPA < 2.0 in your first semester
- Probation: Continued GPA < 2.0
- Dismissal: After multiple terms below 2.0
UMD gives students a fair shot to bounce back, but support services and academic advising are key if you’re slipping.