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
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
GPA = 45.3 / 13 = 3.48
Key GPA Thresholds at UK
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.
Related Guides
- GPA Scale and Letter Grade ConversionReview a common 4.0 letter-grade conversion and learn why official GPA scales can differ by school.
- How to Calculate GPALearn how letter grades, grade points, course credits, and quality points combine to produce GPA.
- How to Calculate Your Indiana University GPALearn how Indiana University Bloomington calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, grading scale with plus/minus grades, and GPA requirements for academic standing and graduation.
- How to Calculate Your University of Kansas GPALearn how the University of Kansas calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, plus/minus grading, and GPA thresholds for Dean's List, academic standing, and graduation at KU.
- How to Calculate Your University of Maryland GPALearn how the University of Maryland College Park calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, grading scale, and GPA requirements for Dean's List, academic standing, and graduation.
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