University of Rhode Island GPA Guide
At the University of Rhode Island (URI), your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a key indicator of your academic performance and is used to determine your academic standing, eligibility for honors, and financial aid. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding how GPA is calculated and what policies apply.
GPA Calculation Basics
Your GPA at URI is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points earned by the total number of credits completed. Each letter grade corresponds to a specific number of quality points per credit hour.
For example, if you earn an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course, you receive 12 quality points (3 credits × 4.0). Your cumulative GPA is the sum of all quality points divided by the total number of credits attempted.
URI Grade Scale
Here’s the standard undergraduate grading scale at URI:
| Letter Grade | Quality 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 |
Grades of S (Satisfactory) and U (Unsatisfactory) are used for certain courses and do not affect your GPA.
College-Specific Grading Policies
Some colleges within URI have additional GPA requirements:
College of Nursing
- Minimum GPA of 2.20 to progress in the program.
- Must achieve a minimum grade of C in all NUR courses and prerequisites.
- Receiving a grade of C- or lower in any NUR course may require repeating the course, and multiple low grades can lead to dismissal.
Graduate School
- Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) to remain in good standing.
- Grades below B- in courses numbered below 500, or below C in courses numbered 500 and above, may not count toward degree requirements.
Academic Standing
Your academic standing at URI is determined by your cumulative GPA:
- Good Standing: Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Dean’s List: Full-time students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher in a semester.
- Probation: Cumulative GPA below 2.0.
- Dismissal: May occur if GPA remains below 2.0 for multiple semesters or if there’s an 8.0 or more quality point deficit.
Second Grade Option
URI offers a Second Grade Option for undergraduate students:
- Applicable to courses in which a grade of C-, D+, D, or F was earned.
- Only courses within the first 30 credits taken at URI are eligible.
- The option must be exercised no later than the next two semesters after completing 30 credits.
- When exercised, only the grade from the repeated course is used in GPA calculations, though both grades remain on the transcript.
Graduation Honors
To graduate with honors, students must meet the following cumulative GPA thresholds and have completed at least 60 credits at URI (with at least 55 graded credits):
- Cum Laude: 3.30 – 3.49
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.50 – 3.69
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.70 – 4.00
GPA Tools and Resources
URI provides GPA calculators to help you:
- Calculate your current GPA based on your grades and credit hours.
- Predict the grades needed in upcoming courses to achieve a desired GPA.
These tools are available through the Academic Advising website.