How GPA Is Defined at University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco (USF) uses grade point average (GPA) to represent academic performance in courses completed at USF. GPA is calculated using grade points assigned to letter grades earned in credit-bearing courses and weighted by the number of units attempted. Only coursework completed at USF is used in GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students earning graded credit at USF | Audited courses |
| Graduate students in programs that report GPA | Courses graded Pass/Fail without grade points |
| Degree-applicable coursework completed at USF | Transfer coursework from other institutions |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Enter only letter-graded courses that carry grade points
- Exclude audited courses and non-credit coursework
- Do not include transfer courses completed outside USF
This calculator is intended to match the cumulative GPA calculated from coursework completed at the University of San Francisco.
Types of GPA Reported at University of San Francisco
USF officially reports cumulative GPA for both undergraduate and graduate students. Not all students see the same GPA types, and reporting depends on program and academic level. This calculator aligns with the standard cumulative GPA reported on USF academic records.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using all letter-graded courses completed at USF that carry grade points and academic units.
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate schools and colleges | Yes | 4-point scale | Only coursework completed at USF is included in the GPA |
Official GPA Scale
The University of San Francisco does not publish a complete grade-to-grade-point table in its publicly available academic catalog sections. As a result, specific grade point values are not reproduced here.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded USF courses with grade points | Audited courses |
| Repeated courses (all attempts) | Pass/Fail courses without grade points |
| Degree-applicable USF coursework | Transfer courses |
Miscounts most often occur when students include transfer coursework or courses without grade points.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of San Francisco
Each course’s unit value determines how much it contributes to GPA. Courses with more units carry more weight in the GPA calculation than courses with fewer units.
How GPA Is Calculated
USF calculates GPA using the following formula:
GPA = Total grade points earned ÷ Total GPA units attempted
Example:
A student completes multiple courses with assigned grade points. Each course’s grade points are multiplied by its units. The sum of those grade points is divided by the total number of units attempted that count toward GPA.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated at USF, both the original grade and the repeat grade are included in GPA calculations. While only one set of units may count toward degree requirements, all attempts affect GPA.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some transcript entries do not affect GPA. Courses graded as Audit or other non-grade-point notations appear on the transcript but are excluded from GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated using graded coursework applied toward a graduate degree at USF. GPA reporting rules and minimum GPA requirements may vary by program, school, or academic unit. Only coursework completed at USF is included.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including transfer coursework in GPA calculations
- Counting audited or non-grade-point courses
- Assuming a repeated course replaces an earlier grade
- Using unofficial grade scales not published by USF
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USF calculate GPA using only USF coursework?
Yes. Only courses completed at the University of San Francisco are used in GPA calculations. Transfer coursework does not affect GPA.
Do repeated courses replace the original grade in GPA?
No. Both the original grade and the repeated grade are included in GPA calculations, even though only one set of units may count toward graduation.
Do audited courses affect GPA?
No. Audited courses appear on the transcript but do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA.
Is GPA calculated differently for graduate students?
Graduate GPA is calculated separately from undergraduate GPA and may be subject to additional program-specific academic standards.
Does every student have the same GPA types reported?
No. GPA reporting varies by academic level and program. Not all students see the same GPA categories on their records.
Related Official University Links
- University of San Francisco Academic Catalog
https://catalog.usfca.edu/ - University of San Francisco Undergraduate Student Regulations – Grading
https://catalog.usfca.edu/content.php?catoid=39&navoid=8879 - University of San Francisco Graduate Academic Regulations
https://catalog.usfca.edu/graduate/ - University of San Francisco Registrar
https://myusf.usfca.edu/registration
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available University of San Francisco academic catalog and registrar documentation. Official university records and transcripts govern all final GPA determinations.