University of South Carolina (USC / South Carolina) GPA Calculator
The University of South Carolina grades on a half-point scale with no minus grades: A = 4, B+ = 3.5, B = 3, C+ = 2.5, C = 2, D+ = 1.5, D = 1, F = 0. Enter your courses below for your semester and cumulative GPA, then see how grade forgiveness, pass-fail, the honor lists and graduation honors work.
Your Academic Results
Term / Semester GPA
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Cumulative GPA
0.00
Credits This Term
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Total Graded Credits
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Carolina's Half-Point Scale
| Grade | Grade points per hour |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| B+ | 3.5 |
| B | 3 |
| C+ | 2.5 |
| C | 2 |
| D+ | 1.5 |
| D | 1 |
| F / FN / WF | 0 |
There are no minus grades and no A+, and every plus is worth half a point. A B+ is 3.5 here, not the 3.33 most calculators assume. A WF (withdrawal after the penalty date) and an FN (failure for non-attendance) both count as an F.
Example: 3 hours of B+ (10.5), 4 of A (16.0), 3 of C+ (7.5), 3 of B (9.0) and 3 of D+ (4.5) give 47.5 ÷ 16 = 2.97.
Repeats and Course Grade Forgiveness
When you repeat a course, both grades count in your GPA unless you apply course grade forgiveness:
- It covers a D+, D, F or WF, for up to two courses (8 credits at most) across your whole undergraduate record at every USC campus.
- Only the second attempt can forgive the first, and only the second grade then counts, even if it's lower.
- Both attempts must be at USC Columbia or a Palmetto College campus; Aiken, Beaufort, Upstate and transfer courses don't qualify.
- You can apply at any time before your first USC bachelor's degree, but it can't be revoked.
Watch out: forgiveness doesn't retroactively change past honor lists or probation decisions, and program GPAs aren't affected. A W, I, S, U or audit can't replace a grade, and honor code X grades are excluded.
Pass-Fail
You can elect or revoke pass-fail up to the last day to drop without penalty. A passing grade becomes S and a failing one U, and neither affects your GPA or suspension review. Pass-fail courses don't count toward the 12 hours needed for the honor lists.
President's and Dean's Honor Lists
| Honor list | Semester GPA | Minimum hours |
|---|---|---|
| President's Honor List | 4.00 | 12 |
| Dean's Honor List | 3.50 or higher | 12 |
The 12 hours can't include pass-fail, exam, correspondence or exemption credit. On the half-point scale, one B+ among A's still keeps a 12-hour semester well above 3.50.
Graduation With Honors
| Designation | Total Institutional GPA |
|---|---|
| Cum laude | 3.50–3.749 |
| Magna cum laude | 3.75–3.949 |
| Summa cum laude | 3.95–4.00 |
You need at least 60 credit hours in residence at USC. Honors are based on your Total Institutional GPA at graduation and can't be added later. Completing the South Carolina Honors College adds "With Honors from South Carolina Honors College".
Probation, Reprieve and Suspension
A Total Institutional GPA below 2.00 at the end of any semester puts you on probation. To avoid suspension the next fall or spring you need:
| GPA hours attempted | Continue on probation with an institutional GPA of |
|---|---|
| 12–35 | 1.500 or higher |
| 36–71 | 1.800 or higher |
| 72+ | Only by semester reprieve or college petition |
The semester reprieve keeps you from suspension whatever your cumulative GPA if you earn a 2.50 term GPA. A first suspension lasts one fall or spring semester plus the adjoining summer. First-semester students under 2.00 must attend academic coaching before registering for their third semester.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a B+ worth at the University of South Carolina?
3.5 grade points. USC uses a half-point scale with no minus grades, so a C+ is 2.5 and a D+ is 1.5.
Can I replace a D or F at the University of South Carolina?
Yes, with course grade forgiveness for up to two courses (8 credits). Only the second attempt then counts in your GPA.
What GPA is the Dean's List at USC?
A 3.50 semester GPA on at least 12 credited hours, excluding pass-fail. A 4.00 earns the President's Honor List.
What GPA is summa cum laude at the University of South Carolina?
3.95 to 4.00 on your Total Institutional GPA, with at least 60 hours at USC. Magna is 3.75 and cum laude 3.50.
How can I avoid suspension while on probation at USC?
Meet the minimum GPA for your hours, or earn a 2.50 semester GPA, which grants a semester reprieve.
Sources: University of South Carolina Undergraduate Academic Bulletin, Undergraduate Academic Regulations (Grading System, Grade Point Average, Course Grade Forgiveness, Pass-Fail Option, Academic Honors Policies and Academic Standing). Policies change, so check the current catalog. This site is independent and not affiliated with University of South Carolina.