How does Michigan State's decimal grading scale work?

MSU uses grades in 0.5 increments from 0.0 to 4.0: 4.0 (A), 3.5 (A−/B+), 3.0 (B), 2.5 (B−/C+), 2.0 (C), 1.5 (C−/D+), 1.0 (D), 0.5 (D−), and 0.0 (fail). This is more granular than traditional A/B/C grading but less so than UW-Madison's 0.1-increment system. A 3.5 GPA at MSU corresponds roughly to what would be A−/B+ at most universities.

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

MSU's Dean's List typically requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Since MSU's grade scale uses 0.5 increments, a 3.5 is a specific grade value (between B and A on traditional scales). The specific requirements may vary by college within MSU.

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

Michigan State requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate. Some departments and colleges require higher GPAs for continuation in the major or for graduation. Check your specific program requirements — for example, the Broad College of Business and College of Engineering may have minimum GPA requirements for their programs above 2.0.

Does MSU's GPA translate easily to other schools' scales?

MSU's decimal scale (0.5 increments) translates reasonably well: 4.0 = A, 3.5 ≈ A−/B+, 3.0 = B, 2.5 ≈ B−/C+, 2.0 = C. Graduate programs and employers generally understand MSU's system. When applying to graduate school, you may note the grading scale in your application materials if you think the context helps interpretation.

How to Calculate Your Michigan State University GPA: Grade Points and Scale

Learn how Michigan State University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, grading scale, and key GPA thresholds for Dean's List, probation, and graduation at MSU.

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How Michigan State University Calculates GPA

Michigan State University uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

MSU 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
0.0 (No grade)	0.0

Michigan State University uses a decimal grading scale similar to UW but with a different range. MSU grades run from 0.0 to 4.0 in 0.5 increments: 4.0, 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.0 (fail). This differs from the typical A/B/C letter grade system. A 3.5 at MSU is between B+ and A− on other scales.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
Core course 1	4	B+	4 × 3.3 = 13.2
Core course 2	3	A−	3 × 3.7 = 11.1
Writing course	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
Humanities	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	13		45.3

GPA = 45.3 / 13 = 3.48

Key GPA Thresholds at MSU

Standing	GPA
Academic Probation	Below 2.0 cumulative
Good 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

Grade Forgiveness / Course Repeat Policy

MSU has a Grade Forgiveness Policy allowing students to repeat courses and exclude earlier grades. Students may use forgiveness up to 3 times (15 credit hours max). The policy is designed for students who earned low grades and can demonstrate improved understanding. Applications go through the Office of the University Registrar.

Courses That Don't Count in GPA

Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory graded courses
Credit by examination
Transfer credit accepted for credit only (no letter grade)
Audited courses

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Michigan State's decimal grading scale work?: MSU uses grades in 0.5 increments from 0.0 to 4.0: 4.0 (A), 3.5 (A−/B+), 3.0 (B), 2.5 (B−/C+), 2.0 (C), 1.5 (C−/D+), 1.0 (D), 0.5 (D−), and 0.0 (fail). This is more granular than traditional A/B/C grading but less so than UW-Madison's 0.1-increment system. A 3.5 GPA at MSU corresponds roughly to what would be A−/B+ at most universities.
What GPA is required for Dean's List at Michigan State?: MSU's Dean's List typically requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Since MSU's grade scale uses 0.5 increments, a 3.5 is a specific grade value (between B and A on traditional scales). The specific requirements may vary by college within MSU.
What is the minimum GPA to graduate from Michigan State University?: Michigan State requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate. Some departments and colleges require higher GPAs for continuation in the major or for graduation. Check your specific program requirements — for example, the Broad College of Business and College of Engineering may have minimum GPA requirements for their programs above 2.0.
Does MSU's GPA translate easily to other schools' scales?: MSU's decimal scale (0.5 increments) translates reasonably well: 4.0 = A, 3.5 ≈ A−/B+, 3.0 = B, 2.5 ≈ B−/C+, 2.0 = C. Graduate programs and employers generally understand MSU's system. When applying to graduate school, you may note the grading scale in your application materials if you think the context helps interpretation.

Last updated 7/28/2026