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

Iowa State Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Each college within ISU determines its own eligibility rules, but the 3.5 GPA threshold is consistent across most ISU colleges. Dean's List recognition appears on the official ISU transcript.

What is the minimum GPA to graduate from Iowa State University?

ISU requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some programs require higher: engineering, business, and agriculture programs may require minimum GPAs in major courses. The College of Engineering at Iowa State requires satisfactory progress through technical coursework. Check your specific program requirements.

How does Iowa State's grade forgiveness work?

ISU undergraduates may request Grade Forgiveness when repeating a course, up to 15 credit hours total. The repeated grade replaces the original in GPA calculation; the original grade stays on transcript with a forgiven notation. This is a petition process — not automatic — and must be requested through the registrar. Use it strategically for courses where your grade significantly misrepresented your actual learning.

Does Iowa State calculate a separate major GPA?

Yes — ISU calculates both cumulative GPA and a graduation GPA based on courses in your major and program requirements. Some academic distinctions (like departmental honors) may use the major GPA. The calculation method is identical to cumulative GPA, but restricted to courses counted toward your declared major. Confirm with your department which GPA is relevant for specific opportunities.

How to Calculate Your Iowa State University GPA: Quality Points and Scale

Learn how Iowa State University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, grade conversion table, and GPA thresholds for Dean's List, probation, and graduation at ISU.

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How Iowa State University Calculates GPA

Iowa State University uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

Iowa State Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Quality Points
A+	4.0
A	4.0
A−	3.67
B+	3.33
B	3.0
B−	2.67
C+	2.33
C	2.0
C−	1.67
D+	1.33
D	1.0
D−	0.67
F	0.0

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MATH 165	4	B+	4 × 3.33 = 13.32
CHEM 167	4	A−	4 × 3.67 = 14.68
ENGL 150	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
HIST 201	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	14		49.0

GPA = 49.0 / 14 = 3.50

Key GPA Thresholds at Iowa State

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+ credit hours
Graduation: Cum Laude	3.50–3.69
Graduation: Magna Cum Laude	3.70–3.89
Graduation: Summa Cum Laude	3.90–4.00

Iowa State Grade Forgiveness

Iowa State University allows students to use the Grade Forgiveness Policy: - Students may repeat a course once and request grade forgiveness for the original grade - The new grade replaces the original in GPA calculation - The original grade appears on transcript with a "forgiven" notation - Maximum of 15 credit hours of grade forgiveness - Contact the registrar to initiate — not automatic

Satisfactory/Fail (S/F) Grading

Some courses at Iowa State use Satisfactory/Fail grading: - S (Satisfactory): Corresponds to C or better; earns credit, no quality points - F (Fail): No credit, no quality points (does NOT count as failing for GPA purposes) - Students may elect S/F grading for some elective courses — limits apply by college

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is required for Dean's List at Iowa State University?: Iowa State Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Each college within ISU determines its own eligibility rules, but the 3.5 GPA threshold is consistent across most ISU colleges. Dean's List recognition appears on the official ISU transcript.
What is the minimum GPA to graduate from Iowa State University?: ISU requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some programs require higher: engineering, business, and agriculture programs may require minimum GPAs in major courses. The College of Engineering at Iowa State requires satisfactory progress through technical coursework. Check your specific program requirements.
How does Iowa State's grade forgiveness work?: ISU undergraduates may request Grade Forgiveness when repeating a course, up to 15 credit hours total. The repeated grade replaces the original in GPA calculation; the original grade stays on transcript with a forgiven notation. This is a petition process — not automatic — and must be requested through the registrar. Use it strategically for courses where your grade significantly misrepresented your actual learning.
Does Iowa State calculate a separate major GPA?: Yes — ISU calculates both cumulative GPA and a graduation GPA based on courses in your major and program requirements. Some academic distinctions (like departmental honors) may use the major GPA. The calculation method is identical to cumulative GPA, but restricted to courses counted toward your declared major. Confirm with your department which GPA is relevant for specific opportunities.

Last updated 7/28/2026