What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? (2024)

FAQs

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? ›

In college, the grading system is typically divided into five letter grades, A, B, C, D, and F. Each letter grade corresponds with a grade point average (GPA) and a numerical range. You'll usually need to receive a letter grade between A and D to pass a class, often the numerical equivalent of 65 percent or higher.

Most colleges and universities generally consider a "D" (or a 60% to 69% score) as a passing grade. It's important to note that this minimum or lowest passing grade standard can significantly vary depending on the institution or major. For instance, some universities may require a "C" or better to pass.

At most schools, a D is the lowest passing grade. That means students who earn a D or higher receive credit for the course. However, some schools set special policies around D grades. For example, at Lehigh, a D counts as a passing grade but does not meet prerequisite requirements.

The specific percentage for a passing grade can vary by institution, but it generally falls between 60% and 69%.

Many people wonder, “What is a passing grade in college?” Coming from high school, the grading system doesn't really change. In fact, a “D” is considered passing in both high school and college, as it's above 60%. While a passing grade may be as low as 60%, you will want to aim higher for many reasons.

In undergraduate programs, 'D' is typically the lowest passing grade, but passing may not be enough to fulfill graduation requirements. In college, the grading system is typically divided into five letter grades, A, B, C, D, and F. Each letter grade corresponds with a grade point average (GPA) and a numerical range.

A grade of C or better is required to earn a Passed; a C- or below will earn a Not Passed grade. A grade of C- may satisfy many requirements (e.g., General Education, elective) but a Not Passed grade will not earn any credit or satisfy requirements.

Failing a class in college happens to even the best of students, and it's unrealistic to expect that you'll be able to do everything perfectly in college. You messed up. You failed a class. But in most cases, you probably didn't ruin your life or put yourself in some kind of disastrous situation.

The normal grading range is from 55 to 100. The number grades correspond to letter grades as reflected in the chart below. The minimum passing grade is 70 (C). Any grades between 55 and 69 (D and F) are considered failing grades for which unit credit is not earned.

This can provide context to your situation and help the admissions committee understand the underlying reasons for your performance in that class. In summary, while a D grade isn't ideal, it doesn't automatically disqualify you from college admissions.

Is a 2.75 GPA good in college? ›

To elaborate, the national average for GPA is around a 3.0, so a 2.7 puts you below average nationally. Keep in mind the 3.0 national average represents all students, not just students applying to college, so the average GPA of students admitted to colleges is higher than the national average.

While a "C" is a passing grade at most colleges and universities, it is also a warning that you better get your act together. If you get a "C" on a paper, a project, or a test, it is possible to recover. A "C" in a course may interfere with your ability to do take more advanced classes or to continue in a major.

C - this is a grade that rests right in the middle. C is anywhere between 70% and 79% D - this is still a passing grade, and it's between 59% and 69% F - this is a failing grade.

In order to pass a class, you may require at least a letter grade of D, or between 60 and 69%. Anything below that is considered a failing grade, or in this case, an F.

Less controversial but perhaps more significant was the establishing of 70 rather than 60 as the new minimum passing grade in all K-12 classes.

A+, A, A- indicates excellent performance. B+, B, B- indicates good performance. C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance. D+, D, D- indicates less than satisfactory performance.