How Grade Point Averages Work
Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated based on grades and credits. Each grade you earn at Salem State has a numeric value, also known as the grade points associated with each grade. Some grades are not included in your GPA calculation.
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Include/Not Include in GPA | Letter Grade | Grade Points | Include/Not Include in GPA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | Include in GPA | A- | 3.7 | Include in GPA | |
| B+ | 3.3 | Include in GPA | B | 3.0 | Include in GPA | |
| B- | 2.7 | Include in GPA | C+ | 2.3 | Include in GPA | |
| C | 2.0 | Include in GPA | C- | 1.7 | Include in GPA | |
| D+ | 1.3 | Include in GPA | D | 1.0 | Include in GPA | |
| D- | 0.7 | Include in GPA | F | 0.0 | Include in GPA | |
| F* | 0.0 | Include in GPA | P | 0.0 | Not Included in GPA | |
| NP | 0.0 | Not Included in GPA | W | 0.0 | Not Included in GPA | |
| I | 0.0 | Not Included in GPA |
Calculating Semester or Term Grade Point Average (GPA)
Your total grade points for each individual class is calculated by multiplying the grade point value for your grade by the number of credits for the class.
You took ENL 110 Foundations of Writing, and earned a grade of B-. The class was three credits. B (3.0) X 3 = 9 grade points
Your total number of grade points for each term is calculated by adding up all of the grade points earned for each class that counts in your GPA.
You took four classes that were three credits each and earned a grade of B in all of them. You earned 9 grade points for each class and earned a total of 36 grade points for the semester (9 X 12 = 36)
Your term or semester GPA is calculated by taking your total number of grade points for that term and dividing that by the number of credits you took in classes that are included in your GPA for that term.
Total grade points = 36/ Total credits included n GPA = 12/ Semester GPA = 3.000
Calculating Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)
Your cumulative GPA is calculated by adding up the total number of grade points for every class you have taken that has a grade included in your GPA and dividing it by the total number of credits for those classes.
You have been at Salem State for two semesters and have taken a total of 30 credits.
Course | Grade | Credits/Units | Grade Points |
ENL110 | B (3.0) | 3 | 9 |
SOC110 | B (3.0) | 3 | 9 |
HST104 | B (3.0) | 3 | 9 |
PHL100 | B (3.0) | 3 | 9 |
SMS194 | A (3.7) | 3 | 11.1 |
ENL160 | B+ (3.3) | 3 | 9.9 |
SPN101 | B (3.0) | 3 | 9.9 |
PSY101 | A- (3.7) | 3 | 11.1 |
GLS155 | B (3.0) | 3 | 9 |
IDS232 | A (4.0) | 3 | 12 |
Totals: | 30 | 99 |
Divide the total grade points (99) by the total number of credits (30) to find the GPA.
The cumulative GPA is 3.300
There are a number of online GPA calculators that you can use to help you figure this out. One example can be found at UMASS Boston.
Where can I see this information in Navigator?
From your Navigator home page, select the Academic Records tile. There are two places where you can see this information, your unofficial transcript, or your grades. For the best detail on your grades, grade points and number of credits counting toward your GPA, select “View Grades.” Choose the semester you want to look at.
At the top of the screen you will see your semester GPA and your cumulative GPA as of the end of that semester. Clicking into the detail on either of these will show you the grade point calculation and the number of credits (units) calculating into your GPA.
Your cumulative GPA will change each semester, so if you want to look at your most up-to-date cumulative GPA, make sure to choose the last semester in which you have earned grades.
How will Pass/No Pass grading work with my GPA in spring 2020?
Grades of P and NP do not affect your GPA. P grades will earn credit but will not change your GPA, NP grades will not earn credit but will also not change your GPA. You will not count any credits earned or attempted that are graded P/NP in your GPA calculations.
Understanding Repeated Courses and Grade Point Averages (GPA)
When you repeat a course for a better grade, the credits and grade points from the first time you took the course will no longer count in your GPA calculation.
How do I figure out what my cumulative GPA will be if I repeat a course for a better grade?
- Look at how many grade points you earned from the class you want to repeat.
- Subtract those grade points from your total number of grade points.
- Look at how many grade points you expect to earn in the repeated class. If you will get a grade of B, for example, you will earn 9 grade points.
- Add the number of grade points you expect to get for the repeat course back into your total number of grade points.
- Divide your total number of grade points by your total number of credits (units) counted toward GPA. This will be your new projected GPA.
You have 90.1 total grade points and 30 credits (units) counting toward your GPA. Your cumulative GPA is 3.003. You decide to repeat a course that you earned a C+ in for a better grade. The original course had 4 credits.
Calculate the individual grade points for the class:
C+ (2.3) X 4 = 9.2.
Subtract this from your total grade points:
90.1 – 9.2 = 80.9.
You think you will be able to get an A in the course when you take it again. Calculate your new grade points for the class:
A (4.0) X 4 = 16.
Add this new number back into your total grade points:
80.9 + 16 =96.9.
Divide this by the total number of credits (units) counting toward your GPA:
96.9 ÷ 30 = 3.230.
