Iowa State University GPA Calculator
Iowa State uses a full plus/minus scale with no A+. Enter your courses below for your semester and cumulative GPA, then see how ISU counts repeated courses, Pass-Not Pass, the Dean's List, the two-semester President's List and graduation with distinction.
Your Academic Results
Term / Semester GPA
0.00
Cumulative GPA
0.00
Credits This Term
0
Total Graded Credits
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Iowa State Quality Points
| Grade | Quality points |
|---|---|
| A / A- | 4.00 / 3.67 |
| B+ / B / B- | 3.33 / 3.00 / 2.67 |
| C+ / C / C- | 2.33 / 2.00 / 1.67 |
| D+ / D / D- | 1.33 / 1.00 / 0.67 |
| F | 0.00 |
Credits earned with S, P, NP or T (T is credit by special exam) count toward your degree but not your GPA. ISU divides quality points by all credits attempted with a grade, and a bachelor's degree requires a cumulative 2.00.
Example: 3 credits of A- (11.01), 4 of B+ (13.32), 3 of A (12.00), 3 of C+ (6.99) and 3 of B (9.00) give 52.32 ÷ 16 = 3.27.
Repeated Courses: The Latest Attempt, up to 18 Credits
When you repeat a course at Iowa State, the most recent attempt replaces earlier ones in your cumulative GPA, up to 18 credits of repeats. Two cautions:
- The latest grade counts even if it is lower. A repeat that ends in an F can also cost you the credit you had earned.
- Beyond 18 credits of repeats, all attempts count in the GPA.
You can repeat a course after an F, an NP or any passing grade. A course first taken for a grade must be repeated for a grade, while a P-NP course may be repeated either way. All attempts stay on the transcript. Repeating does not resolve an I or N. If the course number or credits changed, file a Designation of Repeated Course form.
Pass-Not Pass
ISU's P-NP option is for electives only, and you cannot be on academic probation at the start of the semester. A P means D- or better and NP means F. Neither affects your GPA, which makes P-NP much more forgiving than options that require a C. You may use a maximum of 9 P-NP credits, and changes after the drop deadline (usually the Friday of week 10) need college approval and still count toward the 9.
Dean's List and President's List
- Dean's List: at least 12 credits of graded or S-F courses with a semester GPA of 3.50 or above. P-NP courses don't count toward the 12, and there is no summer list.
- President's List: a 4.00 GPA over your two most recent semesters, with at least 24 graded or S-F credits (summer not considered).
Because the President's List spans two semesters, one A- anywhere in either term rules it out.
Graduation With Distinction
| Distinction | Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|
| Cum laude | 3.50–3.69 |
| Magna cum laude | 3.70–3.89 |
| Summa cum laude | 3.90 or higher |
You need at least 60 semester credits at Iowa State, including at least 50 graded or satisfactory-fail credits. The distinction uses your cumulative GPA after all degree requirements are complete and appears on the transcript and diploma.
Incompletes and Missing Grades
An I changes automatically to the grade in your incomplete contract after one calendar year, whether or not you were enrolled. Every incomplete must be resolved by the middle of your graduating term. An N (no grade reported by the instructor) becomes an F after one year, and retaking the course does not fix an N or an I.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I repeat a class at Iowa State, which grade counts?
The most recent attempt, even if it is lower, for up to 18 credits of repeats. After that, all attempts count.
What grade do you need for a P at Iowa State?
A D- or better earns a P under Pass-Not Pass; an F becomes NP. Neither affects your GPA.
What GPA is the Dean's List at Iowa State?
A 3.50 semester GPA on at least 12 graded or S-F credits. P-NP credits don't count toward the 12.
How do you make the President's List at Iowa State?
Earn a 4.00 GPA across your two most recent semesters with at least 24 graded or S-F credits.
What GPA is summa cum laude at Iowa State?
3.90 or higher, with at least 60 credits at ISU. Magna cum laude is 3.70 to 3.89 and cum laude 3.50 to 3.69.
Sources: Iowa State University Catalog, Grading (grading system, grade policies, repeated courses, Pass-Not Pass, Dean's List, President's List and graduation with distinction). Policies change, so check the current catalog. This site is independent and not affiliated with Iowa State University.