What GPA is required for Dean's List at Clemson University?

Clemson Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours of graded coursework with no incomplete grades. Dean's List is awarded each semester and appears on the official transcript. Note that Clemson's graduation Cum Laude threshold (3.40) is lower than the Dean's List threshold (3.50) — these are separate distinctions.

Does Clemson University use A+ grades?

No — Clemson does not award A+ grades. The highest grade is A = 4.0 quality points. The scale uses plus/minus modifiers from A (4.0) down through D− (0.7) and F (0.0). A WF (Withdraw-Fail) is also treated as a failing grade (0.0) in GPA calculation.

What are Clemson's graduation honors GPA cutoffs?

Clemson's graduation honors require: Summa Cum Laude (3.80–4.00), Magna Cum Laude (3.60–3.79), Cum Laude (3.40–3.59). These cutoffs differ from many universities — Clemson's Cum Laude starts at 3.40, not 3.50. This makes graduation honors slightly more accessible while maintaining meaningful distinctions between tiers.

What GPA is required to graduate from Clemson?

Clemson University requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some colleges and programs require higher GPAs in major coursework: Engineering programs, Business, and Education may have program-specific GPA requirements. Students in highly competitive programs may also need to maintain minimum grades in core sequence courses to progress through the curriculum.

How to Calculate Your Clemson University GPA: Quality Points and Scale

Learn how Clemson University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, plus/minus grading, and GPA thresholds for Dean's List, academic probation, and graduation.

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How Clemson University Calculates GPA

Clemson University uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale with plus/minus grading:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

Clemson Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Quality 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
WF	0.0

Note: Clemson does not use A+ grades. WF (Withdraw-Fail) also counts as 0.0 in GPA calculation.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MTHSC 108	4	B+	4 × 3.3 = 13.2
CH 1010	4	A−	4 × 3.7 = 14.8
ENGL 1030	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
HIST 1220	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	14		49.0

GPA = 49.0 / 14 = 3.50

Key GPA Thresholds at Clemson

Standing	GPA
Academic Probation	Below 2.0 cumulative
Good Academic Standing	2.0+ cumulative
Minimum Graduation GPA	2.0 cumulative
Dean's List (semester)	3.5 GPA, 12+ graded credit hours
Graduation: Cum Laude	3.40–3.59
Graduation: Magna Cum Laude	3.60–3.79
Graduation: Summa Cum Laude	3.80–4.00

Note: Clemson's graduation honors thresholds differ slightly from many schools — Cum Laude starts at 3.40, not 3.50.

Withdraw-Fail (WF) Warning

At Clemson, withdrawing from a course after the official withdrawal deadline while failing results in a WF grade: - WF counts as 0.0 quality points in GPA - Same GPA impact as a failing grade - Appears on transcript permanently - Monitor your grade and the withdrawal deadline closely

South Carolina Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

Students holding South Carolina Palmetto Fellows scholarship at Clemson must maintain: - 3.0 cumulative GPA (may vary based on current SC policy) - If GPA falls below threshold, scholarship may be suspended - Specific monitoring checkpoints apply — contact Clemson Financial Aid for current requirements

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is required for Dean's List at Clemson University?: Clemson Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours of graded coursework with no incomplete grades. Dean's List is awarded each semester and appears on the official transcript. Note that Clemson's graduation Cum Laude threshold (3.40) is lower than the Dean's List threshold (3.50) — these are separate distinctions.
Does Clemson University use A+ grades?: No — Clemson does not award A+ grades. The highest grade is A = 4.0 quality points. The scale uses plus/minus modifiers from A (4.0) down through D− (0.7) and F (0.0). A WF (Withdraw-Fail) is also treated as a failing grade (0.0) in GPA calculation.
What are Clemson's graduation honors GPA cutoffs?: Clemson's graduation honors require: Summa Cum Laude (3.80–4.00), Magna Cum Laude (3.60–3.79), Cum Laude (3.40–3.59). These cutoffs differ from many universities — Clemson's Cum Laude starts at 3.40, not 3.50. This makes graduation honors slightly more accessible while maintaining meaningful distinctions between tiers.
What GPA is required to graduate from Clemson?: Clemson University requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some colleges and programs require higher GPAs in major coursework: Engineering programs, Business, and Education may have program-specific GPA requirements. Students in highly competitive programs may also need to maintain minimum grades in core sequence courses to progress through the curriculum.

Last updated 7/28/2026