How GPA Is Defined at University of Southern California
At the University of Southern California, grade point average (GPA) is computed on a 4.0 scale using numeric grade equivalents assigned to letter grades. Only grades that carry grade points are included in GPA calculations. Some university marks do not affect GPA. GPA is truncated, not rounded.
Official USC grade-to-point assignments per unit:
- 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, UW, IX = 0.0
Marks of CR, NC, P, NP, W, IP, MG, and IN do not affect GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree-seeking students at USC | Non-degree or visiting students |
| Graduate degree-seeking students where GPA is reported | Courses graded Pass/No Pass or other non-graded marks |
| USC coursework recorded on the academic transcript | Transfer coursework not converted into USC GPA |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Check the following before entering courses:
- You have the official letter grades and unit values for each course.
- You exclude grades that do not count toward GPA.
- Undergraduate and graduate coursework are entered separately if applicable.
This calculator is intended to match the official USC cumulative and term GPA calculations.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Southern California
USC officially reports:
- Cumulative GPA, reflecting all graded USC coursework.
- Term GPA, reflecting graded coursework within a single term.
Not all students will see all GPA types, depending on enrollment status and program.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at USC is calculated using the university’s 4.0 scale and includes only courses with letter grades that carry grade points.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All USC undergraduate schools | Yes | 4.0 | Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for degree completion |
| Programs with internal progression rules | Yes | 4.0 | Individual majors may impose higher GPA thresholds |
Official GPA Scale
| 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 |
| D- | 0.7 |
| F / UW / IX | 0.0 |
Grades recorded as Pass, No Pass, Credit, or other non-letter marks do not contribute to GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with letter grades that carry grade points | CR, NC, P, NP, W, IP, MG, IN |
Miscounts often occur because some transcript grades appear visually similar to letter grades but do not carry grade points.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Southern California
Each course’s grade point value is multiplied by its unit value. Courses with more units have a greater impact on the overall GPA.
How GPA Is Calculated
USC uses the following formula:
GPA = (Total Grade Points Earned) ÷ (Total Units Attempted for GPA)
Example:
- 3 units of B (3.0) = 9.0 grade points
- 4 units of A- (3.7) = 14.8 grade points
Total grade points: 23.8
Total units: 7
GPA = 23.8 ÷ 7 = 3.40
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
USC has specific policies governing course repeats, including whether and how repeated coursework affects GPA and units earned. Some repeats require formal approval, and not all repeats remove prior grade impact.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the USC transcript for record-keeping purposes but are excluded from GPA calculations because they do not carry grade points.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at USC is calculated on a 4.0 scale for programs that report GPA. Program-level rules may set minimum GPA thresholds for good standing, continuation, or degree completion.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including non-GPA grades in calculations
- Ignoring unit weighting differences
- Mixing undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Assuming all repeated courses automatically replace prior grades
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA scale does USC use?
USC uses a 4.0 GPA scale with defined quality points for each letter grade from A through D- and F.
Do Pass/No Pass courses affect GPA at USC?
No. Pass/No Pass, Credit/No Credit, and other non-letter grades do not factor into GPA calculations.
Is GPA rounded or truncated at USC?
USC truncates GPA values rather than rounding them.
What GPA is required to graduate from USC as an undergraduate?
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in USC coursework is required for undergraduate degree completion.
Do graduate students have GPA requirements?
Yes. Many graduate programs require a minimum GPA, commonly 3.0, to maintain good academic standing and complete degree requirements.
Related Official University Links
- University of Southern California Academic Catalog — Grading and Academic Standards
https://catalogue.usc.edu/content.php?catoid=20&navoid=8109 - University of Southern California Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
https://catalogue.usc.edu/content.php?catoid=8&navoid=2120 - USC Office of Academic Records and Registrar — Grades
https://arr.usc.edu/faculty-staff/grades/ - University of Southern California Graduate Academic Policies
https://catalogue.usc.edu/content.php?catoid=12&navoid=4244
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available University of Southern California registrar and academic catalog documentation. Official university records and transcripts govern all final GPA determinations.