What GPA do you need to graduate from Penn State?

Penn State University requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation. Some colleges and majors require higher — Engineering programs commonly require 2.0 in engineering courses, while education and nursing programs may require 2.5 or higher. Check your specific program's academic policies in the Penn State Bulletin or with your academic advisor.

What is required for Penn State Dean's List?

Penn State Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. Dean's List is determined each semester independently. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester are not eligible regardless of GPA. Dean's List status appears on official transcripts.

Does Penn State use D+ or D− grades?

The standard Penn State grading scale does not include D+ or D− — the D grade is awarded as 1.0 quality points. This differs from many peer institutions. Students who earn a D have technically passed and earned credit, but the 1.0 quality points significantly impact GPA. Check your specific college's policies as some Penn State colleges may use slightly different grading scales.

How is the Penn State cumulative GPA different from the semester GPA?

Semester GPA uses only courses taken in that specific term. Cumulative GPA includes all courses taken at Penn State across all semesters. Academic standing and graduation eligibility use cumulative GPA. Dean's List eligibility uses semester GPA. You can have a strong semester GPA while having a lower cumulative GPA if early semesters dragged down your average.

How to Calculate Your Penn State GPA: Quality Points, Scale, and Standing

Learn how Pennsylvania State University calculates GPA — the quality point system, grading scale, and GPA requirements for Dean's List, academic probation, and graduation.

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How Penn State Calculates GPA

Penn State University uses a 4.0 quality point scale. GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points earned by total credit hours attempted.

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours

Penn State Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Quality Points
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	1.0
F	0.0

Note: Penn State's standard scale does not use D+ or D− distinctions in most colleges; D = 1.0. Some colleges may vary.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MATH 140	4	B+	4 × 3.33 = 13.32
CHEM 110	3	A−	3 × 3.67 = 11.01
CAS 100	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
HIST 020	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	13		45.33

GPA = 45.33 / 13 = 3.49

Key GPA Thresholds at Penn State

Standing	GPA
Academic Probation	Below 2.0 (semester or cumulative)
Good Academic Standing	2.0+ cumulative
Minimum Graduation GPA	2.0 cumulative
Dean's List (semester)	3.5+ with 12+ graded credit hours
University Scholar Program	Generally 3.4+ for initial eligibility
Schreyer Honors College (honors degree)	3.4+ cumulative
Graduation Honors: Cum Laude	3.50–3.74
Graduation Honors: Magna Cum Laude	3.75–3.89
Graduation Honors: Summa Cum Laude	3.90–4.00

Schreyer Honors College GPA Requirements

Students in Penn State's Schreyer Honors College must maintain: - 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA to remain in the college - Complete honors courses and thesis requirements - Students falling below 3.4 receive a warning; continued deficiency results in dismissal from Honors

Repeated Courses

Penn State does not have a universal grade forgiveness/replacement policy. When a course is repeated: - Both grades appear on the transcript - Both are included in GPA calculation - Academic advisors should be consulted before repeating a course for strategic GPA improvement

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA do you need to graduate from Penn State?: Penn State University requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation. Some colleges and majors require higher — Engineering programs commonly require 2.0 in engineering courses, while education and nursing programs may require 2.5 or higher. Check your specific program's academic policies in the Penn State Bulletin or with your academic advisor.
What is required for Penn State Dean's List?: Penn State Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. Dean's List is determined each semester independently. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester are not eligible regardless of GPA. Dean's List status appears on official transcripts.
Does Penn State use D+ or D− grades?: The standard Penn State grading scale does not include D+ or D− — the D grade is awarded as 1.0 quality points. This differs from many peer institutions. Students who earn a D have technically passed and earned credit, but the 1.0 quality points significantly impact GPA. Check your specific college's policies as some Penn State colleges may use slightly different grading scales.
How is the Penn State cumulative GPA different from the semester GPA?: Semester GPA uses only courses taken in that specific term. Cumulative GPA includes all courses taken at Penn State across all semesters. Academic standing and graduation eligibility use cumulative GPA. Dean's List eligibility uses semester GPA. You can have a strong semester GPA while having a lower cumulative GPA if early semesters dragged down your average.

Last updated 7/28/2026