Why is Rutgers' grading scale different from other universities?

Rutgers uses a unique compressed scale: A=4.0, B+=3.5, B=3.0, C+=2.5, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. There is no A+, A−, B−, C−, D+, or D−. The B+ and C+ grades are halfway between adjacent full grades (3.5 and 2.5 respectively), unlike the standard scale where B+ = 3.33. This means Rutgers GPAs are not directly comparable to those from schools using the standard plus/minus system.

What GPA is required for Dean's List at Rutgers University?

Rutgers Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. On Rutgers' scale, a 3.5 equals all B+ grades or a 50-50 mix of A and B grades. Some Rutgers schools (SAS, SOE, SEBS, etc.) may have additional Dean's List criteria — check your specific school's policy.

What are Rutgers' graduation honors GPA thresholds?

Rutgers graduation honors: Summa Cum Laude (3.75–4.00), Magna Cum Laude (3.5–3.74), Cum Laude (3.0–3.49). Note that Cum Laude starts at 3.0 — much lower than the 3.5 required at most universities. This is because Rutgers' unique scale makes reaching 3.5+ more manageable than at schools with standard plus/minus grades where B+ = 3.33.

How do I convert my Rutgers GPA when applying to graduate school?

Rutgers transcripts show grades as A, B+, B, C+, C, D, F. Graduate programs typically see your numerical GPA alongside your transcript. Because B+ = 3.5 at Rutgers (vs. 3.33 elsewhere), a 3.5 Rutgers GPA represents comparable achievement to a ~3.4 at a standard plus/minus school. In practice, admissions committees familiar with Rutgers will evaluate your transcript in context — explain Rutgers' unique scale in personal statements if applying to programs unfamiliar with it.

How to Calculate Your Rutgers University GPA: Quality Points and Scale

Learn how Rutgers University calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, plus/minus grading, and GPA thresholds for Dean's List, academic standing, and graduation.

Related Calculators

Rutgers University GPA Calculator
Estimate your Rutgers term and projected cumulative GPA using the university's grading scale.
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Cumulative GPA Calculator
Estimate your new cumulative GPA by combining your current record with a new semester or group of courses.

How Rutgers University Calculates GPA

Rutgers University uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale with plus/minus grading:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

Rutgers Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Quality Points
A	4.0
B+	3.5
B	3.0
C+	2.5
C	2.0
D	1.0
F	0.0

Important: Rutgers uses a unique plus/minus scale. There is no A+, A−, B−, C−, D+, or D−. The plus grades are B+ = 3.5 and C+ = 2.5. D has no plus or minus modifier and equals 1.0. This scale differs significantly from the standard 4.33/3.67/3.33 system used at many universities.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MATH 151	4	B+	4 × 3.5 = 14.0
CHEM 161	4	A	4 × 4.0 = 16.0
EXPOS 101	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
HIST 103	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	14		51.0

GPA = 51.0 / 14 = 3.64

Key GPA Thresholds at Rutgers

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 GPA, 12+ credit hours
Graduation: Cum Laude	3.0–3.49
Graduation: Magna Cum Laude	3.5–3.74
Graduation: Summa Cum Laude	3.75–4.00

Note: Rutgers' Cum Laude starts at just 3.0 — lower than most universities. This reflects the impact of the unique grade scale where B+ = 3.5 (not 3.33).

Understanding Rutgers' Unique Scale

The B+ = 3.5 and C+ = 2.5 scale creates wider gaps between grades: - B+ (3.5) is halfway between A (4.0) and B (3.0), rather than the usual 3.33 - C+ (2.5) is halfway between B (3.0) and C (2.0), rather than the usual 2.33 - There is no A− — A (4.0) jumps directly to B+ (3.5)

This means: - A student with all B+ grades has a 3.5 GPA - A student with half A and half B grades also has a 3.5 GPA - Mixed A and B+ grades give a GPA above 3.5

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Rutgers' grading scale different from other universities?: Rutgers uses a unique compressed scale: A=4.0, B+=3.5, B=3.0, C+=2.5, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. There is no A+, A−, B−, C−, D+, or D−. The B+ and C+ grades are halfway between adjacent full grades (3.5 and 2.5 respectively), unlike the standard scale where B+ = 3.33. This means Rutgers GPAs are not directly comparable to those from schools using the standard plus/minus system.
What GPA is required for Dean's List at Rutgers University?: Rutgers Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. On Rutgers' scale, a 3.5 equals all B+ grades or a 50-50 mix of A and B grades. Some Rutgers schools (SAS, SOE, SEBS, etc.) may have additional Dean's List criteria — check your specific school's policy.
What are Rutgers' graduation honors GPA thresholds?: Rutgers graduation honors: Summa Cum Laude (3.75–4.00), Magna Cum Laude (3.5–3.74), Cum Laude (3.0–3.49). Note that Cum Laude starts at 3.0 — much lower than the 3.5 required at most universities. This is because Rutgers' unique scale makes reaching 3.5+ more manageable than at schools with standard plus/minus grades where B+ = 3.33.
How do I convert my Rutgers GPA when applying to graduate school?: Rutgers transcripts show grades as A, B+, B, C+, C, D, F. Graduate programs typically see your numerical GPA alongside your transcript. Because B+ = 3.5 at Rutgers (vs. 3.33 elsewhere), a 3.5 Rutgers GPA represents comparable achievement to a ~3.4 at a standard plus/minus school. In practice, admissions committees familiar with Rutgers will evaluate your transcript in context — explain Rutgers' unique scale in personal statements if applying to programs unfamiliar with it.

Last updated 7/28/2026