Does NC State use grade replacement automatically?

Yes — NC State applies grade replacement automatically when a student repeats a course. The higher grade is used in GPA calculation, and both attempts appear on the transcript. This is more student-friendly than institutions where you must petition for grade forgiveness or where both grades count. The policy applies to courses repeated at NC State.

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

NC State University's Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours of graded coursework. Students must have no incomplete grades at the time of calculation. Dean's List is awarded each semester and is noted on the official transcript.

What GPA do I need to graduate from NC State?

NC State requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some programs have higher requirements: many education, business, and design programs require 2.5 or above in major coursework. The College of Engineering may require specific grades in core engineering sequences. Confirm your program requirements with your academic advisor.

How does NC State handle incomplete grades in GPA?

Incomplete (IN) grades are temporarily assigned when a student cannot complete coursework due to extenuating circumstances. Until resolved, IN is calculated as 0.0 in the semester GPA. Once the coursework is completed (within the deadline set by the instructor), the actual grade replaces IN. If not resolved, IN automatically converts to an F after the deadline.

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

Learn how North Carolina State University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, plus/minus grades, and GPA requirements for Dean's List, probation, and graduation at NC State.

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How NC State University Calculates GPA

NC State uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale with plus/minus grading:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

NC State Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Quality Points
A+	4.0
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
IN (Incomplete)	0.0 until resolved

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MA 141	4	B+	4 × 3.3 = 13.2
CH 101	3	A−	3 × 3.7 = 11.1
ENG 101	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
US History	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	13		45.3

GPA = 45.3 / 13 = 3.48

Key GPA Thresholds at NC State

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

Course Repeat Policy

NC State allows students to repeat courses to improve grades: - For courses repeated at NC State: the higher grade is used in GPA calculation (Grade Replacement Policy) - Both grades appear on transcript with notations - Maximum of 3 courses per year (or as specified by college policy) - Grade replacement is applied automatically when a course is repeated

This is more favorable than many institutions where both grades count.

NC State Engineering vs. Non-Engineering GPA

College of Engineering (COE) students should note: - Some programs require maintaining a minimum 2.0 in engineering coursework - Upper-division engineering courses may require specific grade minimums in prerequisites - The engineering curriculum typically requires satisfactory performance in a specific sequence of courses for admission to upper-division status

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NC State use grade replacement automatically?: Yes — NC State applies grade replacement automatically when a student repeats a course. The higher grade is used in GPA calculation, and both attempts appear on the transcript. This is more student-friendly than institutions where you must petition for grade forgiveness or where both grades count. The policy applies to courses repeated at NC State.
What GPA is required for Dean's List at NC State?: NC State University's Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours of graded coursework. Students must have no incomplete grades at the time of calculation. Dean's List is awarded each semester and is noted on the official transcript.
What GPA do I need to graduate from NC State?: NC State requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some programs have higher requirements: many education, business, and design programs require 2.5 or above in major coursework. The College of Engineering may require specific grades in core engineering sequences. Confirm your program requirements with your academic advisor.
How does NC State handle incomplete grades in GPA?: Incomplete (IN) grades are temporarily assigned when a student cannot complete coursework due to extenuating circumstances. Until resolved, IN is calculated as 0.0 in the semester GPA. Once the coursework is completed (within the deadline set by the instructor), the actual grade replaces IN. If not resolved, IN automatically converts to an F after the deadline.

Last updated 7/28/2026