What GPA is needed for Dean's List at UIUC?

UIUC's Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 14 credit hours. The 14-credit minimum is higher than many peer institutions. Some colleges within UIUC may have additional criteria or separate honor lists. Dean's List recognition appears on the official academic transcript.

What is the minimum GPA to graduate from UIUC?

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation. Many engineering, business, and professional programs require higher GPAs within the major and may require satisfactory progress through specific course sequences. Check your college and major requirements through your academic advisor.

Does UIUC calculate a separate major GPA?

Yes — UIUC calculates both cumulative GPA (all courses) and a major GPA (courses counted in your declared major). Departmental honors and some graduate program applications use major GPA. The calculation method is identical — total quality points from major courses divided by total major credit hours attempted.

How are AP exam credits handled in UIUC GPA?

AP exam credit transferred to UIUC is awarded as credit toward degree requirements but does NOT count in UIUC's GPA calculation. No quality points are assigned; only the credit hours are added to the degree audit. This is standard — only courses with UIUC grades (earned in residence or through official programs) count toward the institutional GPA.

How to Calculate Your UIUC GPA: Quality Points and Academic Standing

Learn how the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, grading scale, and GPA requirements for Dean's List, probation, and graduation.

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How the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Calculates GPA

the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

UIUC 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

UIUC uses a standard plus/minus grading scale. A+ earns 4.0 quality points (same as A). D− (0.7) is the lowest passing grade.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
Core course 1	4	B+	4 × 3.3 = 13.2
Core course 2	3	A−	3 × 3.7 = 11.1
Writing course	3	B	3 × 3.0 = 9.0
Humanities	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
Total	13		45.3

GPA = 45.3 / 13 = 3.48

Key GPA Thresholds at UIUC

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 GPA, 14+ credit hours
Graduation: Cum Laude	3.5–3.69
Graduation: Magna Cum Laude	3.7–3.89
Graduation: Summa Cum Laude	3.9–4.0

Grade Forgiveness / Course Repeat Policy

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign allows course grade replacement under certain conditions. Students may petition to repeat a course and have the original grade excluded from GPA calculation. The number of replacements permitted is limited — contact your college's academic office for current policy details, as rules vary by college.

Courses That Don't Count in GPA

Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory graded courses
Credit by examination
Transfer credit accepted for credit only (no letter grade)
Audited courses

Special Policy

UIUC requires 14 credit hours (not the more common 12) to be eligible for semester Dean's List recognition. This higher threshold reflects the university's expectation of full course loads. Some colleges within UIUC may have additional or different requirements.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is needed for Dean's List at UIUC?: UIUC's Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in at least 14 credit hours. The 14-credit minimum is higher than many peer institutions. Some colleges within UIUC may have additional criteria or separate honor lists. Dean's List recognition appears on the official academic transcript.
What is the minimum GPA to graduate from UIUC?: The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for graduation. Many engineering, business, and professional programs require higher GPAs within the major and may require satisfactory progress through specific course sequences. Check your college and major requirements through your academic advisor.
Does UIUC calculate a separate major GPA?: Yes — UIUC calculates both cumulative GPA (all courses) and a major GPA (courses counted in your declared major). Departmental honors and some graduate program applications use major GPA. The calculation method is identical — total quality points from major courses divided by total major credit hours attempted.
How are AP exam credits handled in UIUC GPA?: AP exam credit transferred to UIUC is awarded as credit toward degree requirements but does NOT count in UIUC's GPA calculation. No quality points are assigned; only the credit hours are added to the degree audit. This is standard — only courses with UIUC grades (earned in residence or through official programs) count toward the institutional GPA.

Last updated 7/28/2026