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How to Calculate Your University of Kentucky GPA: Quality Points and Scale

Learn how the University of Kentucky calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, plus/minus grading, and GPA requirements for Dean's List, probation, and graduation at UK.

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How the University of Kentucky Calculates GPA

the University of Kentucky uses the standard 4.0 quality point scale:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

UK Grading Scale

Letter GradeQuality Points
A4.0
A−3.7
B+3.3
B3.0
B−2.7
C+2.3
C2.0
C−1.7
D+1.3
D1.0
E (Fail)0.0

The University of Kentucky uses 'E' for failing grades (not 'F'). The scale also does not include A+ or D− — the maximum grade is A (4.0) and the minimum passing grade is D (1.0).

Worked Calculation Example

CourseCreditsGradeQuality Points
Core course 14B+4 × 3.3 = 13.2
Core course 23A−3 × 3.7 = 11.1
Writing course3B3 × 3.0 = 9.0
Humanities3A3 × 4.0 = 12.0
**Total****13****45.3**

GPA = 45.3 / 13 = 3.48

Key GPA Thresholds at UK

StandingGPA
Academic ProbationBelow 2.0 cumulative
Good Standing2.0+ cumulative
Minimum Graduation GPA2.0 cumulative
Dean's List (semester)3.6 GPA, 12+ credit hours
Graduation: Cum Laude3.5–3.69
Graduation: Magna Cum Laude3.7–3.89
Graduation: Summa Cum Laude3.9–4.0

Grade Forgiveness / Course Repeat Policy

The University of Kentucky allows students to repeat courses under its Course Repeat Policy. When a course is repeated, only the most recent grade counts in GPA calculation (both appear on transcript). Some colleges within UK may have limits on repeat applications — check with your college's academic office for specific policies.

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

Dean's List at UK requires a 3.6 semester GPA (higher than the 3.5 used at many peer institutions). This reflects UK's commitment to recognizing high academic achievement. Students must be enrolled in 12+ credit hours and have no incomplete grades during the semester.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is required for Dean's List at the University of Kentucky?
UK's Dean's List requires a semester GPA of 3.6 or higher — higher than the 3.5 threshold at many peer universities — while enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. This makes UK's Dean's List designation somewhat more selective. Recognition appears on the official UK transcript.
Does the University of Kentucky use A+ or F grades?
No — UK uses neither A+ nor F grades. The highest grade is A (4.0 quality points), and the failing grade is designated 'E' (not 'F'), which is worth 0.0 quality points. The scale runs A, A−, B+, B, B−, C+, C, C−, D+, D, E — without the A+ or D− that some universities include.
What is UK's course repeat policy for GPA?
When UK students repeat a course taken at the University of Kentucky, only the most recent grade counts in GPA calculation. Both the original and repeated grades appear on the transcript, but the original is noted as 'repeated' and excluded from GPA. This automatic grade replacement policy is more student-friendly than petition-based systems at other universities.
What GPA do you need to graduate from the University of Kentucky?
UK requires a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some colleges and programs have higher requirements — nursing, education, and pharmacy programs typically require 2.5 or above. The College of Engineering and the Gatton College of Business both have specific GPA requirements within their programs. Verify requirements with your program's academic advisor.

Last updated 7/28/2026