University of Iowa GPA Calculator
At the University of Iowa an A+ is worth 4.33 grade points, so your GPA can go above 4.0. Enter your courses below for your semester and cumulative GPA, then see how the second-grade-only option, pass/nonpass, the Dean's List and graduation with distinction work.
Your Academic Results
Term / Semester GPA
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Cumulative GPA
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Credits This Term
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Total Graded Credits
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Iowa's Grade Points: A+ Is 4.33
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.33 | C+ | 2.33 |
| A | 4.00 | C | 2.00 |
| A- | 3.67 | C- | 1.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 | D+ | 1.33 |
| B | 3.00 | D | 1.00 |
| B- | 2.67 | D- | 0.67 |
| F | 0 |
Unlike most universities, Iowa gives an A+ 4.33 points, so straight A+'s produce a GPA above 4.0. Instructors choose between whole letters (A, B, C, D, F) or the full plus/minus scale for each course and must state which in the syllabus.
CLAS's own example: 3 s.h. of A+ (12.99), 4 of B (12.00), 2 of A (8.00) and 3 of C- (5.01) give 38 ÷ 12 = 3.17.
CLAS students can have four GPAs: the UI cumulative GPA, the major GPA, the transfer GPA and an overall cumulative GPA that includes transfer work.
Second-Grade-Only: Replace Any Grade, Three Times
By default, both grades of a repeated course count. The second-grade-only option (SGO) changes that: once you request it, only the second grade counts in your GPA and hours earned.
- You can use it for up to three different courses, once each, over your undergraduate career.
- Any grade qualifies, not just D's and F's.
- Both attempts must be University of Iowa courses with the same number and title, taken for a letter grade (or S/F).
- The second grade counts even if it's lower.
- You can reverse the request only before the semester of the repeat ends; after that it's permanent.
Watch out: until you actually file the SGO request, both grades keep counting. The first grade stays visible with a # mark, and graduate programs may recalculate your GPA with it.
Pass/Nonpass: Electives Only, 15 Hours
CLAS students may take electives P/N with the instructor's or department's permission, but not for General Education (CLAS Core), major, minor or certificate requirements. A C- or higher earns a P; D+ or lower is N. P/N hours don't count in the GPA.
CLAS accepts at most 15 s.h. of P from Iowa and 30 s.h. of P and S from all sources toward the bachelor's degree.
Dean's List (CLAS)
CLAS students make the Dean's List with a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher on at least 12 s.h. of graded UI coursework and no hours of I or O that semester. With A+ worth 4.33, a strong semester can pass 4.0.
Graduating With Distinction
| Distinction | GPA |
|---|---|
| With distinction | 3.75–3.84 |
| With high distinction | 3.85–3.94 |
| With highest distinction | 3.95 or above |
These cutoffs are the same in every undergraduate college. You need 60 s.h. in residence at Iowa, with at least 45 graded s.h. before your final semester. Both your UI cumulative GPA and your overall cumulative GPA (including transfer work) are checked, using grades from before your final semester, so your last term can't raise your distinction.
Probation in CLAS
To stay in good standing, CLAS students need all of the following:
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| UI and overall cumulative GPA, 0–29 hours earned | 1.85 |
| UI and overall cumulative GPA, 30+ hours earned | 2.00 |
| UI term GPA, any fall, spring or summer | 1.50 |
Missing any of these puts you on academic probation, noted on your grade report until you return to good standing. Continued poor performance can lead to dismissal from the college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an A+ worth 4.33 at the University of Iowa?
Yes. An A+ carries 4.33 grade points, so a University of Iowa GPA can be higher than 4.0.
Can I replace a grade at the University of Iowa?
Yes, with the second-grade-only option, for up to three courses. Any grade qualifies, and only the second grade counts once you request it, even if it's lower.
How many pass/nonpass hours can I take at Iowa?
CLAS accepts up to 15 s.h. of P from Iowa toward the bachelor's degree. A C- or higher earns a P.
What GPA is the Dean's List at the University of Iowa?
In CLAS, a 3.50 semester GPA on at least 12 s.h. of graded UI coursework, with no incompletes or unreported grades.
What GPA do you need to graduate with distinction at Iowa?
3.75 for distinction, 3.85 for high distinction and 3.95 for highest distinction, based on grades before your final semester.
Sources: University of Iowa: General Catalog, Grading; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Academic Policies Handbook, Grading System and Academic Probation. Policies change, so check the current catalog. This site is independent and not affiliated with University of Iowa.