Grade Point Average
Each letter grade (A through F) carries a certain number of grade points per credit. A grade of B, for example, is worth 3 grade points per credit, so that a student receiving a B in a 3-credit course would earn 9 grade points. The grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of GPA credits attempted. Only grades of A, B, C, D and F are included in the GPA calculation.
See the table below for a scale of grades and grade points.
| Grade |
Grade Points Assigned
|
|
1 cr |
2 cr |
3 cr |
4 cr |
5 cr |
| A |
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
| B |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
| C |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
| D |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| F |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
How to calculate a GPA
Example: A student earns the following grades:
| A |
in a class for 3 credits = 12 grade points |
| C |
in a class for 4 credits = 8 grade points |
| F |
in a class for 3 credits = 0 grade points |
| B |
in a class for 5 credits = 15 grade points |
Grade points earned (35) divided by GPA credits attempted (15) = 2.33 GPA
GPA Calculator
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education provides a tool that allows students to predict their GPA or to determine the grades they will need in order to earn a specific GPA. The GPA Calculator is available at http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/gpa.cfm. Note that although this calculator allows for the input of plus (+) and minus (-) grades, students should avoid entering them when utilizing this tool, as Normandale does offer plus/minus grading.