How GPA Works at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, calculating your GPA isn’t rocket science—but you do need to know your numbers. Whether you’re keeping your scholarship or aiming for Dean’s List bragging rights, understanding how GPA works is essential.
UNL uses a 4.0 grading scale, and your semester GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted (excluding Pass/No Pass and withdrawn courses).
So, let’s say you took 15 credit hours and earned 45 grade points, your GPA for that semester would be 45 ÷ 15 = 3.0.
UNL GPA/Grade Scale
| Letter Grade | GPA 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
| P (Pass) | Not calculated |
| N (No Pass) | Not calculated |
| I (Incomplete) | Not calculated |
| W (Withdrawn) | Not calculated |
Important: A+ and A are both worth 4.0 points—UNL does not use weighted GPAs for higher performance in A-range grades.
Faculty and Department-Specific Notes
While the GPA scale is consistent across the university, some colleges within UNL have additional policies:
College of Business
- Prerequisite grades: You must earn a C or better in most prerequisite courses to move on.
- Probation rules: Falling below a 2.5 GPA might restrict your course load.
College of Engineering
- Requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to stay in good academic standing and proceed with upper-division coursework.
College of Education and Human Sciences
- Teacher education programs typically require a 2.75 GPA or higher for admission and maintenance.
If you’re switching majors or applying for special programs (like the Honors Program or Education Abroad), always double-check GPA requirements.
Pass/No Pass Option
Students at UNL can elect the Pass/No Pass (P/N) grading option for some courses. Here’s what you need to know:
- Only one P/N course per semester is allowed.
- The grade does not affect your GPA.
- Some majors restrict using this option for required courses.
Academic Standing and Honors
Good standing: Keep at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Dean’s List: You need:
- At least 12 graded semester hours, and
- A GPA of 3.75 or higher (varies slightly by college).
Graduation honors:
- Distinction: 3.75 GPA
- High Distinction: 3.90 GPA
- Additional requirements may apply (like senior theses in some colleges).