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Grade Point Average (GPA)

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Effective Date: Fall 2026
Last Reviewed: Fall 2025
Last Revised: Fall 2019
Next Review: Fall 2036

Policy Statement

Kent State University establishes minimum grade point average (GPA) requirements for graduation and defines the methods by which overall and program GPAs are calculated for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Students

Overall GPA for Graduation

To graduate from Kent State University with an associate degree, bachelor's degree, undergraduate minor or undergraduate certificate, all students must earn a minimum 2.000 overall grade point average (GPA). Some programs require a higher overall GPA for graduation, and these are noted on the program’s page in the University Catalog and in the GPS degree audit.

A student's overall GPA is calculated using all graded coursework taken at Kent State, with the exception of grades exempted through Kent State's course repeat or GPA adjustment policies.

Major, Minor and Certificate GPA for Graduation

To graduate with a declared undergraduate major, minor or certificate, all students must earn a minimum 2.000 GPA in the program. Some programs require a higher GPA for graduation, and these are noted on the program’s page in the University Catalog and in the GPS degree audit.

A student’s major, minor or certificate GPA is calculated using only the courses that complete the requirements in that major, minor or certificate. When multiple courses may be used to complete a specific requirement (e.g., "choose from" or either/or choice), the course with the highest passing grade will complete the requirement and be used in the calculation of the major, minor or certificate GPA.

The major, minor and certificate GPA can be found in the student’s GPS degree audit; they are not displayed on the student transcript or diploma and are not stored in the university’s student information system.

Latin Honors GPA

For information on how the GPA is calculated for Latin Honors (bachelor’s degrees) and for Distinction (associate degrees), refer to the Honors at Graduation policy in the University Catalog.

Graduate Students

To graduate from Kent State University with a master's degree, Educational Specialist degree, doctoral degree, graduate minor or graduate certificate, all students must earn a minimum 3.000 overall grade point average (GPA).1 Some programs require a higher overall GPA for graduation, and these are noted on the program’s page in the University Catalog.

A student's overall graduate GPA is calculated using all graded graduate-level coursework taken at Kent State, with the exception of grades exempted through Kent State's course repeat or GPA adjustment policies.

To be considered "in good standing," a 3.000 average or better in all graduate and required undergraduate work undertaken at Kent State University should be maintained by graduate students1. In order to qualify for graduation, the student must have a 3.000 average in all graduate courses attempted. The grade point average of a student who enlists in the military service after work is begun toward a graduate degree may, at the student’s request upon return from military service, exclude the grades earned in the last semester in which that student is in residence prior to induction.

1

Students seeking the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree are expected to maintain a minimum 2.000 grade point average. 

Calculating Grade Point Average

Quality points are awarded on the following scale:

  • 1 credit hour of A equals 4.000 points
  • 1 credit hour of A- equals 3.700 points
  • 1 credit hour of B+ equals 3.300 points
  • 1 credit hour of B equals 3.000 points
  • 1 credit hour of B- equals 2.700 points
  • 1 credit hour of C+ equals 2.300 points
  • 1 credit hour of C equals 2.000 points
  • 1 credit hour of C- equals 1.700 points
  • 1 credit hour of D+ equals 1.300 points
  • 1 credit hour of D equals 1.000 point
  • 1 credit hour of F equals 0.000 points
  • 1 credit hour of NF equals 0.000 points
  • 1 credit hour of SF equals 0.000 points
  • 1 credit hour of U equals 0.000 points

A grade point average is determined by dividing the total number of points earned by the number of quality hours taken. Totals are extended to three decimal points and are not rounded up or down.

Overall GPA is computed by dividing the total quality points by the total GPA hours. Grades of S (Satisfactory), Y (Credit) and Z (No Credit) are not included in GPA hours.

Example:

Reason For Policy

Grade point average is used to measure and evaluate a student's academic performance and progress. It serves as a standard quantitative representation of a student's overall grades.

Procedures

There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms/Instructions

There are no forms associated with this policy.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where can I see my GPA?
    There are several places in FlashLine where you can view your GPA. Your unofficial transcript can be accessed by clicking on “View Unofficial Transcript” in the Student Category/Resources Page/Grades and Transcripts section. You can also see your overall GPA, on your Student Dashboard and in your GPS degree audit.
  2. How can I get help calculating my GPA
    There are many online calculators that can help you determine your GPA. The Kent State GPA Calculator allows you to input the grades and hours to help calculate a term GPA.
  3. Why doesn't my 1.970 GPA round up to a 2.000?
    For purposes of calculating GPA, Kent State extends the GPA to three decimal points with no rounding up or down. If you have a requirement that requires a 2.000 GPA, a 1.970 GPA will not satisfy it.

Additional FAQ: GPA

Definitions

Attempted Credit Hours: Students' total credit-hour registration, either for a specific term or cumulative for all terms. Attempted credit hours include courses for which students have received either a letter grade (e.g., A, B, C) or other administrative mark (e.g., AU, IN, IP, NA, NR, W)

GPS Degree Audit: The GPS degree audit is a summary of degree requirements merged with a student's academic record, which provides a real-time assessment of progress toward graduation. The audit is organized in blocks of like requirements. The degree audit is the official list of all requirements for graduation.

Graduate Planning System (GPS): A program that provides students with a roadmap to degree completion which includes a real-time degree audit and an individualized educational plan.

Quality Point: The number of points assigned per credit hour for each letter grade.

Related Information

Revision History

Amended fall 2026: Revised policy reformatted and updated language and added FAQ, definitions and related information.

Amended fall 2019: Revised policy established procedures to calculate undergraduate major, minor and certificate GPA, replacing previous, unwritten practices.