Does LSU use plus/minus grades for undergraduate GPA?

No — Louisiana State University uses a traditional A, B, C, D, F grading scale for most undergraduate courses, with no plus or minus modifiers. A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. Some graduate programs may use a different scale. This makes LSU GPA calculations simpler but means finer distinctions within a letter grade range don't affect GPA.

What GPA is required to keep my TOPS scholarship at LSU?

TOPS Award requires maintaining a 2.5 cumulative college GPA; TOPS Performance and TOPS Honors require 3.0+. GPA is checked annually. If you fall below the threshold, TOPS is suspended for the following year. You may reinstate by raising your GPA to the required level. Contact LSU Financial Aid for specific details about reinstatement procedures.

What GPA is needed for Dean's List at LSU?

LSU Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. On LSU's whole-grade scale, a 3.5 requires exactly 50% A and 50% B credits — more As raises the average above 3.5, more Bs brings it below. Dean's List recognition appears on the official transcript each semester.

What is an Incomplete grade at LSU and how does it affect GPA?

An Incomplete (I) grade at LSU is temporary — assigned when a student has a documented emergency near the end of the semester preventing course completion. The grade doesn't immediately affect GPA. However, if the remaining work isn't completed within the allowed timeframe (typically one semester), the I automatically converts to an F (0.0), which then significantly impacts GPA.

How to Calculate Your LSU GPA: Quality Points and Academic Standing

Learn how Louisiana State University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, grading scale, and GPA requirements for Dean's List, TOPS scholarship, and graduation at LSU.

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How Louisiana State University Calculates GPA

LSU uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

LSU Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Quality Points
A	4.0
B	3.0
C	2.0
D	1.0
F	0.0
W	Not counted
I (Incomplete)	Temporary; converts to F if unresolved

Note: Louisiana State University uses a traditional whole-grade scale (A, B, C, D, F) without plus or minus modifiers for most undergraduate courses. Some graduate programs may use plus/minus.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MATH 1550	5	B	5 × 3.0 = 15.0
CHEM 1201	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
ENGL 1001	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
HIST 2055	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	14		48.0

GPA = 48.0 / 14 = 3.43

Key GPA Thresholds at LSU

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	3.5–3.69
Graduation: Magna Cum Laude	3.7–3.89
Graduation: Summa Cum Laude	3.9–4.0

TOPS Scholarship GPA Requirements

Louisiana's TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) scholarship requires: - TOPS Award: 2.5+ cumulative college GPA - TOPS Performance: 3.0+ cumulative college GPA - TOPS Honors: 3.0+ cumulative college GPA (with additional course requirements)

GPA is checked each year. Falling below requirements results in loss of TOPS for the following year; students may reinstate by meeting GPA requirements.

LSU's Whole-Grade Scale: Impact on GPA

Without plus/minus grading: - There are only 4 quality point values for passing grades (4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.0) - A 3.5 GPA requires exactly equal A and B credits - A student consistently near the top of a B range receives 3.0 (same as borderline B) - Graduate program applications should note LSU's scale when comparing to plus/minus school applicants

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does LSU use plus/minus grades for undergraduate GPA?: No — Louisiana State University uses a traditional A, B, C, D, F grading scale for most undergraduate courses, with no plus or minus modifiers. A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. Some graduate programs may use a different scale. This makes LSU GPA calculations simpler but means finer distinctions within a letter grade range don't affect GPA.
What GPA is required to keep my TOPS scholarship at LSU?: TOPS Award requires maintaining a 2.5 cumulative college GPA; TOPS Performance and TOPS Honors require 3.0+. GPA is checked annually. If you fall below the threshold, TOPS is suspended for the following year. You may reinstate by raising your GPA to the required level. Contact LSU Financial Aid for specific details about reinstatement procedures.
What GPA is needed for Dean's List at LSU?: LSU Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. On LSU's whole-grade scale, a 3.5 requires exactly 50% A and 50% B credits — more As raises the average above 3.5, more Bs brings it below. Dean's List recognition appears on the official transcript each semester.
What is an Incomplete grade at LSU and how does it affect GPA?: An Incomplete (I) grade at LSU is temporary — assigned when a student has a documented emergency near the end of the semester preventing course completion. The grade doesn't immediately affect GPA. However, if the remaining work isn't completed within the allowed timeframe (typically one semester), the I automatically converts to an F (0.0), which then significantly impacts GPA.

Last updated 7/28/2026