Here’s a complete, student-friendly guide to understanding how GPA is calculated at Vanderbilt University:
How Vanderbilt University Calculates GPA
Vanderbilt University, often affectionately called “Vandy,” follows a standard 4.0 GPA scale. That means each letter grade you earn corresponds to a set number of grade points, and your GPA is a weighted average of those points based on the number of credit hours each course is worth.
Unlike some schools that weigh pluses and minuses equally, Vanderbilt gives distinct point values for plus and minus grades, which can have a noticeable impact on your GPA.
💡Quick Tip:
GPA is calculated by dividing your total number of grade points by the total number of credit hours you’ve attempted (not including pass/fail or audited classes).
Vanderbilt GPA Grade Scale
Here’s the breakdown of Vanderbilt’s official grade-to-GPA point system:
| Letter Grade | Grade 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 | 0.0 |
Other Grade Notations:
- P (Pass): Earned credit, no GPA effect.
- NC (No Credit): No earned credit, no GPA effect.
- I (Incomplete): Temporary, resolved later.
- W (Withdrawn): Not counted in GPA.
GPA Calculation Example
Let’s say you took the following four courses in a semester:
- Calculus (4 credits) — A (4.0)
- English Lit (3 credits) — B+ (3.3)
- Biology Lab (1 credit) — B (3.0)
- Psychology (3 credits) — A– (3.7)
Step 1: Multiply each grade point by the course credit hours:
- Calculus: 4.0 × 4 = 16.0
- English Lit: 3.3 × 3 = 9.9
- Bio Lab: 3.0 × 1 = 3.0
- Psychology: 3.7 × 3 = 11.1
Step 2: Add up total grade points and credit hours:
- Total Grade Points: 16.0 + 9.9 + 3.0 + 11.1 = 40.0
- Total Credits: 4 + 3 + 1 + 3 = 11
Step 3: Divide total grade points by total credits:
- GPA = 40.0 ÷ 11 = 3.64
School or Department-Specific Notes
At Vanderbilt, most undergraduate programs—including those in Arts and Science, Engineering, Peabody College (Education and Human Development), and Blair School of Music—use the same GPA grading system.
However, some professional or graduate programs (e.g., Law, Nursing, Business) may have variations in their grading scales or policies, including GPA thresholds for academic standing. Students in those programs should refer directly to their specific academic catalog.
Things to Know
- No A+ Grade: Vanderbilt does not assign A+ grades.
- Retaking Courses: If you retake a course, only the second grade counts in your GPA (undergraduate policy), but both grades appear on your transcript.
- Dean’s List: To make the Dean’s List, you typically need a GPA of 3.5 or above, with a minimum course load and no Incompletes or failing grades.