How GPA Is Defined at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan calculates GPA using a letter-grade system converted to grade points and weighted by course credit hours. Only courses with grades that carry grade points are included in GPA calculations. GPA is recorded on a 4.0 scale, and policies vary by academic level and school.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students in GPA-reporting schools | Courses taken pass/fail or satisfactory/unsatisfactory |
| Graduate students with GPA-based programs | Transfer coursework |
| Students enrolled in Ann Arbor degree programs | Non-credit or audited courses |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Confirm that your course grades carry grade points
- Enter only University of Michigan coursework
- Use official credit hours listed on your transcript
- Exclude transfer, test, or experiential credit
This calculator is intended to match the University of Michigan term and cumulative GPA as shown on official transcripts.
Types of GPA Reported at the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan officially reports term GPA and cumulative GPA. Not all students see all GPA types, depending on program and grading structure. This calculator matches the standard term and cumulative GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated by multiplying the grade points earned in each course by the course’s credit hours, totaling those points, and dividing by total GPA-applicable credit hours.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Literature, Science, and the Arts | Yes | 4.0 | Standard undergraduate grading |
| College of Engineering | Yes | 4.0 | School-specific academic policies apply |
| Ross School of Business | Yes | 4.0 | Program grading rules may vary |
| Stamps School of Art & Design | Yes | 4.0 | Some studio courses may use non-GPA grades |
| School of Music, Theatre & Dance | Yes | 4.0 | Performance grading policies apply |
Official GPA Scale
The University of Michigan publishes the following undergraduate grade-point scale:
| Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| E / F | 0.0 |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded University of Michigan courses | Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory |
| Repeated courses with grade points | Transfer credit |
| Failed courses with grade points | Credit by examination |
GPA miscounts most often occur when transfer or pass/fail courses are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at the University of Michigan
Each course is weighted by its official credit hours. Courses with higher credit values have a greater impact on GPA than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
The University of Michigan GPA formula is:
Total Grade Points ÷ Total GPA Credit Hours = GPA
Example:
A 4-credit course with a B (3.0) earns 12.0 grade points.
A 3-credit course with an A− (3.7) earns 11.1 grade points.
Total grade points (23.1) divided by total credits (7) equals a GPA of 3.30.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, all attempts remain on the transcript and all grades earned are included in the GPA calculation. The University of Michigan does not remove earlier grades from GPA calculations for repeated courses.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some transcript entries, such as pass/fail or transfer credit, appear on the academic record but do not affect GPA.
Graduate GPA
Graduate programs at the University of Michigan generally calculate and report GPA using a 4.0 scale. Grading structures and minimum GPA requirements may vary by school and program.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including transfer coursework in GPA calculations
- Assigning grade points to pass/fail courses
- Using unofficial credit values
- Assuming repeated courses replace earlier grades
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Michigan use a 4.0 GPA scale?
Yes. The University of Michigan records GPA on a 4.0 scale for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Does an A+ increase GPA above 4.0 at the University of Michigan?
No. An A+ carries the same grade points as an A and does not raise GPA above 4.0.
Are transfer credits included in University of Michigan GPA?
No. Transfer credits appear on the transcript but do not factor into GPA calculations.
Do failed courses count toward GPA?
Yes. Failed courses that carry grade points are included in GPA calculations.
Does repeating a course replace the original grade?
No. All attempts and grades remain on the transcript and are included in GPA calculations.
Is GPA calculated differently by school or college?
Yes. While the grading scale is consistent, academic policies may vary by school or program.
Related Official University Links
- University of Michigan Office of the Registrar — Grades and GPA
https://ro.umich.edu/records-registration/grades-transcripts/grades - University of Michigan Undergraduate Academic Policies
https://lsa.umich.edu/lsa/academics/academic-policies.html - University of Michigan Graduate School Academic Policies
https://rackham.umich.edu/academic-policies/ - University of Michigan Academic Catalog
https://catalog.umd.umich.edu/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of Michigan academic policies. Official transcripts and registrar determinations govern final GPA calculations.