How GPA Works at UNC-Chapel Hill
At UNC-Chapel Hill, your GPA is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of your academic performance across all your courses. The university uses a 4.0 grading scale, which is the standard for most U.S. colleges. Each letter grade you earn is assigned a point value, and your GPA is the weighted average of those points based on credit hours.
Let’s break it down.
UNC-Chapel Hill GPA Scale
Here’s how grades convert into grade points:
| Letter Grade | GPA Value |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| AB (Absent Fail) | 0.0 |
| FA (Fail Attendance) | 0.0 |
To calculate your GPA:
Multiply the number of credit hours for each course by the GPA value of your grade. Then, divide the total grade points by the total number of credit hours attempted.
Special Grades and Notes
UNC-Chapel Hill also uses special grades that don’t count toward your GPA:
- P (Pass): Credit earned, no effect on GPA.
- F (Fail, Pass/Fail course): No credit, but also no GPA effect.
- W (Withdrawn): Indicates you dropped the course; doesn’t count in GPA.
- IN (Incomplete): Temporary grade, resolved later.
These are mostly seen in optional pass/fail courses, withdrawals, or situations like illness or emergencies.
Departmental Grading Differences
There’s no universal GPA scale difference across departments at UNC-Chapel Hill, but grading rigor can vary.
- STEM courses (like Chemistry or Math) are known to be more competitive and may have a tougher curve.
- Professional schools like Kenan-Flagler Business School and Eshelman School of Pharmacy follow the university-wide scale but may have internal policies on GPA thresholds for internships, scholarships, or advancement.
If you’re in a specialized program, always double-check with your department’s academic advisor about GPA requirements.
Honors and GPA Benchmarks
At UNC-Chapel Hill, academic honors are awarded based on cumulative GPA:
- 3.500–3.699: Graduation with Honors
- 3.700–3.899: Graduation with High Honors
- 3.900–4.000: Graduation with Highest Honors
These typically also require an honors thesis or department approval.
Final Tips
- Grade Replacement: If you retake a class, both grades stay on your transcript, but only the higher grade counts toward your GPA (if taken under the Grade Replacement Policy).
- Semester GPAs and Cumulative GPA: Your GPA is calculated each term and cumulatively across your academic career.
Keep an eye on your academic standing—many programs have minimum GPA requirements for scholarships, internships, and continued enrollment.