What GPA do you need to graduate from Purdue University?

Purdue requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation. Engineering majors must also maintain satisfactory progress through their program. Some degree programs require a higher GPA specifically in major courses. Always check your specific college's graduation requirements through Purdue's academic catalog or your academic advisor.

What is Dean's List at Purdue University?

Purdue University Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours of graded coursework in a regular semester. Students must have no incomplete grades. Dean's List is awarded separately for each semester — you can qualify one semester and not the next.

How does Purdue's grade replacement policy work?

Purdue students who repeat a course for the first time and had originally earned a D or F may apply for Grade Replacement, which excludes the original grade from GPA calculation. The original grade still appears on the transcript. Only the new grade counts in GPA. This applies to the first repeat attempt — further repetitions count both grades.

Does Purdue calculate a major GPA separately?

Yes — Purdue calculates both cumulative GPA (all courses) and program GPA (courses in your major/program). Program GPA uses the same formula but includes only courses that count toward your declared major. Some major-specific requirements (like applying to certain graduate programs or maintaining status in an honors program) use program GPA rather than cumulative GPA.

How to Calculate Your Purdue University GPA: Grade Points and Calculation

Learn how Purdue University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, how credit hours determine grade weight, and what GPA is required for good standing, Dean's List, and graduation.

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How Purdue University Calculates GPA

Purdue University uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale. GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points by total credit hours attempted.

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

Purdue 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

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
CS 180	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
MATH 161	5	B+	5 × 3.3 = 16.5
ENGL 106	4	A−	4 × 3.7 = 14.8
PHYS 172	4	B	4 × 3.0 = 12.0
Total	16		55.3

GPA = 55.3 / 16 = 3.46

Key GPA Thresholds at Purdue

Academic 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+ with 12+ credit hours
Summa Cum Laude	Top 5% of class or 3.9+
Magna Cum Laude	3.7–3.89
Cum Laude	3.5–3.69

Specific departments may require higher GPAs within the major or for program continuation.

Engineering Majors: Higher GPA Requirements

For students in the College of Engineering, many programs require maintaining a minimum 2.0 in engineering core courses as well as cumulative GPA. Some specializations (like Computer Engineering or Aerospace) may require a higher GPA to continue in the major after the sophomore year.

Pass/No Credit Courses

P/NC graded courses at Purdue do not affect GPA calculation: - Pass (P): Credit earned, no quality points added - No Credit (NC): No credit, no quality points (does not count as failing for GPA)

This makes P/NC grading valuable for exploring electives outside your comfort zone without GPA risk.

Repeated Courses Policy

Purdue allows course repetition with some restrictions: - A course may be repeated only once for credit (taking it a third time requires academic advisor approval) - Both attempts count in GPA calculation unless grade forgiveness is applied - Grade forgiveness available for first repeat of a grade D or F (excludes the original from GPA)

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA do you need to graduate from Purdue University?: Purdue requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation. Engineering majors must also maintain satisfactory progress through their program. Some degree programs require a higher GPA specifically in major courses. Always check your specific college's graduation requirements through Purdue's academic catalog or your academic advisor.
What is Dean's List at Purdue University?: Purdue University Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours of graded coursework in a regular semester. Students must have no incomplete grades. Dean's List is awarded separately for each semester — you can qualify one semester and not the next.
How does Purdue's grade replacement policy work?: Purdue students who repeat a course for the first time and had originally earned a D or F may apply for Grade Replacement, which excludes the original grade from GPA calculation. The original grade still appears on the transcript. Only the new grade counts in GPA. This applies to the first repeat attempt — further repetitions count both grades.
Does Purdue calculate a major GPA separately?: Yes — Purdue calculates both cumulative GPA (all courses) and program GPA (courses in your major/program). Program GPA uses the same formula but includes only courses that count toward your declared major. Some major-specific requirements (like applying to certain graduate programs or maintaining status in an honors program) use program GPA rather than cumulative GPA.

Last updated 7/28/2026