How does the U.S. grading and GPA system work?
FAQ.
Answered by Jennifer Glass, Immigration Coordinator of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
How does the U.S. grading and GPA system work?
U.S. courses are usually graded with letters that convert to a Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Most schools require undergrads to stay above a 2.0 GPA, and many graduate programs require a 3.0 or higher.
The 4.0 scale
A = 4.0 (excellent)
B = 3.0 (good)
C = 2.0 (average)
D = 1.0 (poor)
F = 0.0 (fail)
Your GPA is the overall average of your grades and matters for graduation (you cannot graduate if you don’t meet your school’s minimum GPA requirement), scholarships (some scholarships require a certain GPA to keep the funding), and future employment and graduate school prospects.
Stay in good standing
Take time to learn what your school’s requirements are for good academic standing, as well as any remediation options if you have a tough semester. Note that academic difficulties have an extra layer of impact for international students - you not only have to worry about how poor grades impact your GPA; you also have to worry about the impact to your immigration status, since F or J student status is dependent upon your eligibility to continue full-time enrollment. Understand your program’s academic requirements and ask for help early if you’re struggling — schools have lots of support services, and the students who struggle the most are those who do not ask for help.
