What GPA is required for Dean's List at CU Boulder?

CU Boulder Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.75 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. This is significantly higher than the 3.5 standard at most universities. Dean's List recognition appears on your official CU transcript each semester you qualify. Some specific schools within CU (Engineering, Business) may have their own honor lists with different thresholds.

What are CU Boulder's graduation honors GPA cutoffs?

CU Boulder graduation honors: Summa Cum Laude (3.90–4.00), Magna Cum Laude (3.75–3.89), Cum Laude (3.55–3.74). These thresholds are higher than most universities. Notably, the CU Boulder Cum Laude floor of 3.55 excludes many students who would receive Cum Laude at schools starting at 3.50. CU uses final cumulative GPA for honors determination, and typically requires that a minimum portion of credits be earned at CU.

Does CU Boulder have automatic grade replacement when retaking a course?

Yes — at CU Boulder, when you repeat a course, the most recent grade automatically replaces the original in GPA calculation. No petition is required. Both grades remain on the official transcript, but only the repeated grade counts toward GPA. This applies to courses taken at CU Boulder. Transfer credits from other schools are handled separately.

What is the minimum GPA to graduate from CU Boulder?

CU Boulder requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some schools and programs have higher requirements: Engineering requires minimum GPAs in major courses; the Leeds School of Business requires 2.0 in business core courses. Students pursuing departmental honors typically need 3.5+ in their major. Check your specific program requirements with your academic advisor.

How to Calculate Your CU Boulder GPA: Quality Points and Scale

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

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How CU Boulder Calculates GPA

The University of Colorado Boulder uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale with plus/minus grading:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

CU Boulder 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
D−	0.7
F	0.0

CU Boulder does not use A+ grades. The maximum grade value is A = 4.0.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MATH 1300	5	B+	5 × 3.3 = 16.5
CHEM 1113	4	A−	4 × 3.7 = 14.8
WRTG 1150	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
HIST 1015	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	15		52.3

GPA = 52.3 / 15 = 3.49

Key GPA Thresholds at CU Boulder

Standing	GPA
Academic Probation	Below 2.0 cumulative
Good Academic Standing	2.0+ cumulative
Minimum Graduation GPA	2.0 cumulative
Dean's List (semester)	3.75 GPA, 12+ credit hours
Graduation: Cum Laude	3.55–3.74
Graduation: Magna Cum Laude	3.75–3.89
Graduation: Summa Cum Laude	3.90–4.00

Notable: CU Boulder's Dean's List threshold is 3.75, significantly higher than the 3.5 standard at most universities. Graduation Cum Laude also starts at 3.55, not 3.50.

CU Boulder Grade Replacement Policy

When repeating a course at CU Boulder: - The most recent grade replaces the original in GPA calculation - Both grades appear on the transcript - No petition required — automatic upon course repeat - Applies to courses taken at CU Boulder

Pass/Fail Grading Option

CU Boulder offers a Pass/Fail option for eligible elective courses: - Pass: Grade of D− or better; earns credit, no quality points - Fail: No credit, no quality points (does NOT impact GPA as F would) - Students can elect P/F for a limited number of credits per semester

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is required for Dean's List at CU Boulder?: CU Boulder Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.75 or higher while enrolled in at least 12 graded credit hours. This is significantly higher than the 3.5 standard at most universities. Dean's List recognition appears on your official CU transcript each semester you qualify. Some specific schools within CU (Engineering, Business) may have their own honor lists with different thresholds.
What are CU Boulder's graduation honors GPA cutoffs?: CU Boulder graduation honors: Summa Cum Laude (3.90–4.00), Magna Cum Laude (3.75–3.89), Cum Laude (3.55–3.74). These thresholds are higher than most universities. Notably, the CU Boulder Cum Laude floor of 3.55 excludes many students who would receive Cum Laude at schools starting at 3.50. CU uses final cumulative GPA for honors determination, and typically requires that a minimum portion of credits be earned at CU.
Does CU Boulder have automatic grade replacement when retaking a course?: Yes — at CU Boulder, when you repeat a course, the most recent grade automatically replaces the original in GPA calculation. No petition is required. Both grades remain on the official transcript, but only the repeated grade counts toward GPA. This applies to courses taken at CU Boulder. Transfer credits from other schools are handled separately.
What is the minimum GPA to graduate from CU Boulder?: CU Boulder requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some schools and programs have higher requirements: Engineering requires minimum GPAs in major courses; the Leeds School of Business requires 2.0 in business core courses. Students pursuing departmental honors typically need 3.5+ in their major. Check your specific program requirements with your academic advisor.

Last updated 7/28/2026