What is GPA at Penn State World Campus?

G.P.A stands for grade-point average and refers to Penn State World Campus’s grading system. Based on an A-F/0-4.00 scale, it assigns each letter a numerical score (grade-point) and averages the total in two ways:

Term/Semester GPA: the average of the grades you get in a semester

Cumulative GPA: the average of all the grades you get during your time at Penn State.

Both of the above depend on how many credits you earned in a term. 

Here’s how the grade-point scale works:

A = 4.00

A- = 3.67

B+ = 3.33

B = 3.00

B- = 2.67

C+ = 2.33

C = 2.00

D = 1.00

F = 0.00

Are we following? Let’s use a case study:

A student who completes 12 credits in their first semester with all As would earn a 4.0. The math: (4.0 + 4.0 + 4.0 + 4.0)/4 = 4.0

If they earned 12 more credits in their next semester, but with 2 A’s, one A-, and one B+, they would earn a term GPA of 3.67.

The math: (4.0 + 4.0 + 3.67 +3.0)/4 = 3.67

With the 24 credits accounted for, their C-GPA would be 3.87. 

If this sounds complicated, Penn State has a GPA Calculator that will help you work this all out!

Remember: in some other schools, an A+ grade is possible. Here at PSU WC, the highest grade you can get is an A. 

By extension: some schools score GPAs out of 5, 6, or even 9, but the highest GPA you can get at PSU is a 4.0.

Your GPA can earn you awards and distinctions during your time at Penn State. Requirements vary depending on your specific degree program, but try your best to keep your GPA super high!

For more info, please visit the following sources:

Grade-Point Average | Penn State Office of the University Registrar. www.registrar.psu.edu/grades/grade-point-average.cfm.

Recovery and GPA Calculators | Penn State World Campus Chaiken Center for Student Success. student.worldcampus.psu.edu/course-work-and-success/academic-standing-and-success/recovery-and-gpa-calculators.

Written by Anisa Oghenekaro Daniel-Oniko, former Creative Chair of the International and Transfer Students Association.