Table of Contents
How USC calculates GPA
USC assigns grade points to each letter grade and weights them by the semester units for the course. Add the grade points earned in all GPA-bearing USC courses, then divide by the total GPA-bearing USC units.
USC GPA = total grade points ÷ total GPA-bearing USC units
| USC grade | Grade points 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 | 0.0 |
| UW | 0.0 |
| IX | 0.0 |
Quick answer: USC’s standard scale does not use A+. An A is the highest ordinary letter grade at 4.0 points per unit.
USC GPA example
Suppose you complete a 4-unit course with an A and a 4-unit course with a B+. The A contributes 16.0 grade points and the B+ contributes 13.2, so your GPA for those eight units is 29.2 ÷ 8 = 3.650.
Which USC grades count in GPA?
The most important distinction is that some non-passing or unfinished marks are excluded from GPA while others eventually count as zero.
| Mark | USC GPA treatment |
|---|---|
| F | Counts at 0.0 |
| UW | Counts at 0.0 |
| IX | Counts at 0.0 |
| CR / NC | Excluded |
| P / NP | Excluded |
| W | Excluded |
| IP | Excluded while in progress |
| MG | Excluded while unresolved |
| IN | Excluded while unresolved |
Important: A W is not the same as a UW. A W does not affect GPA, while a UW is calculated as zero grade points. Likewise, an IN does not affect GPA while it remains an incomplete, but an expired incomplete normally becomes IX and then counts as zero.
How repeated courses affect USC GPA
USC does not use one repeat rule for every undergraduate course. First-time freshmen have a limited grade-substitution provision: up to three qualifying courses taken during the first two USC semesters with grades of D+ or lower, including UW and IX, may be repeated so that only the subsequent grade is calculated in the GPA. The later grade counts even if it is lower, and the same course can receive this substitution benefit only once.
Other undergraduate repeats of courses with D+ or lower generally keep both grades in the GPA, although unit credit can be earned only once.
Calculator limitation: The Repeat Impact tool is disabled for USC because the result depends on freshman status, timing, the original grade, and substitution eligibility. If USC has confirmed that an original attempt qualifies for freshman grade substitution, select Verified freshman-forgiveness original attempt for that original row and enter the replacement as a normal USC course. Otherwise, enter both graded attempts normally.
Do transfer grades count in your USC GPA?
Transfer grades are not part of the institutional GPA you earn in USC courses. The calculator therefore excludes external transfer courses from the USC GPA.
USC does use transfer grades for other purposes. Transfer admission has its own transfer GPA rules, and undergraduate graduation or university honors can involve a combined transfer-plus-USC GPA. Keep those calculations separate rather than adding transfer grades directly to your USC GPA.
Projected and target USC GPA
Use Planned Courses to see how expected future grades could change your GPA. The calculator adds the planned course grade points and GPA-bearing units to your current baseline.
The Target GPA tool works backward. Enter the GPA you want and the number of future USC units you expect to complete; the calculator estimates the average grade points per unit needed across those units. If the required average is above 4.0, that target is not reachable within the number of units entered.
USC GPA requirements students commonly ask about
A calculator result is not itself an academic-standing, graduation, honors, or financial-aid decision. USC applies different GPA definitions depending on the purpose.
| Purpose | USC rule or context |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate academic notice | Cumulative USC GPA below 2.0 triggers academic notice |
| Undergraduate graduation | A 2.0 cumulative USC GPA is required; majors/schools can add requirements |
| Cum laude | Minimum 3.5 overall GPA |
| Magna cum laude | Minimum 3.7 overall GPA |
| Summa cum laude | Minimum 3.9 overall GPA |
| Financial-aid SAP | GPA is only one part; pace and maximum time frame also apply |
For university honors, USC requires the threshold on both USC residence work and combined transfer-plus-USC work. USC’s 2026 commencement guidance says the honors calculation is truncated rather than rounded.
Different USC grading systems
This calculator is for the standard USC undergraduate institutional GPA. Gould School of Law uses a more granular numeric grading scale, so a law-school record should not be converted with the ordinary A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3 table without the appropriate law-school rules.
Graduate and professional programs can also have different continuation, graduation, or program-GPA requirements. Use your STARS report and program guidance when a school-specific GPA controls your degree progress.
USC GPA calculator FAQs
Does USC use A+ grades?
No. USC’s standard university grade-point table uses A at 4.0 as the highest ordinary letter grade; it does not list A+.
Does a Pass or No Pass affect USC GPA?
No. P and NP do not affect the USC GPA. They can still matter for degree requirements, course eligibility, or other academic rules.
Does a W lower my USC GPA?
No. A W is excluded from GPA. Do not confuse it with UW, an unofficial withdrawal, which counts as zero grade points.
Does an incomplete affect USC GPA?
An IN does not affect GPA while it remains unresolved. If it is not completed within the applicable time limit, it normally becomes IX, and IX is calculated as zero grade points.
Does USC replace a failed grade when I repeat a course?
Sometimes, but only under the specific first-time-freshman substitution rule. Other undergraduate repeats of D+ or lower generally keep both grades in the GPA, so do not assume automatic grade replacement.
Do transfer grades count in my USC GPA?
No. USC keeps the transfer GPA separate from the GPA earned in USC courses. Transfer grades can still matter for admission, graduation, and honors calculations.
What GPA puts an undergraduate on academic notice at USC?
A cumulative USC GPA below 2.0 places an undergraduate or limited-status student on academic notice. USC also has separate rules for continued notice and academic disqualification.
What GPA do I need for USC graduation honors?
USC lists minimum overall GPAs of 3.5 for cum laude, 3.7 for magna cum laude, and 3.9 for summa cum laude. The threshold must be met on both USC work and combined transfer-plus-USC work.
Official USC Resources
- USC Grades — Office of Academic Records and Registrar
- USC Academic Counseling — academic notice and disqualification
- USC Transfer Students — transfer GPA and credit policies
- USC Transfer Credit Services
- USC Undergraduate Financial Aid — maintaining eligibility
- USC Gould grading scale
This USC GPA calculator is a planning tool, not an official university record or eligibility decision. Confirm your official GPA, repeat treatment, degree requirements, honors status, and financial-aid standing in USC records and with the appropriate USC office or academic adviser.