What is the minimum GPA to graduate from Ohio State?

Ohio State requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation from most programs. Some colleges and majors require higher GPAs — check your specific program requirements. Engineering, business, and education programs often require 2.0 within the major as well. A GPA below 2.0 at the end of any semester places you on academic probation.

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

Ohio State Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. Students receiving all E grades (failures) or exclusively S/U graded courses are not eligible. Dean's List is determined separately each semester — you can make it one semester without being on it the next.

Does Ohio State use A+ grades?

No — Ohio State University does not award A+ grades. The highest grade is A, worth 4.0 quality points. This differs from some universities where A+ exists but is worth either 4.0 or 4.3 quality points. The top of Ohio State's scale is A = 4.0, with A− = 3.7.

How does Ohio State's grade forgiveness policy work?

Ohio State allows students to repeat up to 3 courses (15 credit hours maximum) and request grade forgiveness, removing the original grade from GPA calculation. The forgiven grade still appears on the transcript but is excluded from GPA. Both the original attempt and the repeated course must be taken at Ohio State. You must apply for grade forgiveness through the registrar — it is not automatic.

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

Learn how Ohio State University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, credit hour weighting, and GPA requirements for academic standing, Dean's List, and graduation.

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The Ohio State University GPA Calculator
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How Ohio State University Calculates GPA

Ohio State University uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

OSU 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
E (Fail)	0.0

Ohio State uses "E" for failing grades. There is no A+ at Ohio State — the highest grade is A (4.0).

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
CHEM 1210	5	B+	5 × 3.3 = 16.5
MATH 1151	5	A−	5 × 3.7 = 18.5
ENGLISH 1110	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
PSYCH 1100	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	16		56.0

GPA = 56.0 / 16 = 3.50

Key GPA Thresholds at Ohio 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+ with 12+ graded credit hours
University Honors	Varies by college
Summa Cum Laude	3.9+
Magna Cum Laude	3.7–3.89
Cum Laude	3.5–3.69

Grade Replacement Policy

Ohio State has a Grade Forgiveness policy: students may repeat a course taken at Ohio State and request that the original grade be forgiven (excluded from GPA calculation). Limits apply: - Maximum 3 course forgiveness requests (15 credit hours) - Both original and repeated course appear on transcript - Only the repeated grade counts in GPA after forgiveness

This is beneficial if you performed significantly worse in a first attempt.

Special Grade Designations

S/U Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory — does not affect GPA
EM (Examination): Credit by exam, no grade impact
W (Withdrawal): Does not affect GPA if before the deadline
WF (Withdrawal Failing): Counts as E (0.0) in GPA — avoid this designation

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum GPA to graduate from Ohio State?: Ohio State requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation from most programs. Some colleges and majors require higher GPAs — check your specific program requirements. Engineering, business, and education programs often require 2.0 within the major as well. A GPA below 2.0 at the end of any semester places you on academic probation.
What GPA is required for Dean's List at Ohio State?: Ohio State Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. Students receiving all E grades (failures) or exclusively S/U graded courses are not eligible. Dean's List is determined separately each semester — you can make it one semester without being on it the next.
Does Ohio State use A+ grades?: No — Ohio State University does not award A+ grades. The highest grade is A, worth 4.0 quality points. This differs from some universities where A+ exists but is worth either 4.0 or 4.3 quality points. The top of Ohio State's scale is A = 4.0, with A− = 3.7.
How does Ohio State's grade forgiveness policy work?: Ohio State allows students to repeat up to 3 courses (15 credit hours maximum) and request grade forgiveness, removing the original grade from GPA calculation. The forgiven grade still appears on the transcript but is excluded from GPA. Both the original attempt and the repeated course must be taken at Ohio State. You must apply for grade forgiveness through the registrar — it is not automatic.

Last updated 7/28/2026