Penn State GPA Calculator

Free PSU GPA Calculator for Nittany Lions

Need to figure out where you stand academically? This Penn State GPA calculator uses the official PSU grading scale - the exact same Penn State GPA scale that LionPATH uses. Calculate your semester GPA, track your cumulative progress, or run "what if" scenarios to see how different grades affect your standing. Whether you're checking Penn State GPA requirements for Dean's List, engineering admission, or the 2+2 program - we've got you covered. Works for University Park, World Campus, Behrend, Harrisburg, and all branch campuses.

Penn State University GPA Calculator

Calculate your semester and cumulative GPA

Current GPA (Optional)

Enter your current GPA and credit hours to calculate your new cumulative GPA

This Semester's Courses

Course 1
Grade Points:
Course 2
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Course 3
Grade Points:
Course 4
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Course 5
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Course 6
Grade Points:

Your Results

Semester GPA

0.00

Cumulative GPA

0.00

Semester Credits

0.0

Total Points

0.00

Notes:

  • Penn State does NOT use plus/minus for C- grade - only C and below
  • XF grade (Academic Dishonesty) counts as 0.0 and appears on transcript
  • Z grade (Unfinished) counts as 0.0 until resolved with a final grade
  • S-U (Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory) courses are NOT included in GPA calculations

The Official Penn State GPA Scale Explained

So how does Penn State calculate GPA exactly? Here's the thing - the Penn State grading scale is a bit unique. They use plus/minus for A and B grades, but not for C or D. That means there's no C- at Penn State - you jump straight from C (2.0) to D (1.0). This Penn State GPA chart shows exactly how each grade converts to points.

Our gpa calculator penn state tool uses this exact scale - the same formula that appears in your LionPATH transcript.

A

4.00 points

A-

3.67 points

B+

3.33 points

B

3.00 points

B-

2.67 points

C+

2.33 points

C

2.00 points

D

1.00 points

F

0.00 points

XF

0.00 points

Important Notes About Penn State Grades

  • No C- Grade: Penn State skips the C- - you go straight from C (2.0) to D (1.0). This is unusual compared to most universities.
  • No D+/D- Grades: Similarly, there's no plus/minus for D grades at Penn State - just D (1.0).
  • XF (Academic Dishonesty): Counts as 0.0 and permanently appears on your transcript with the notation.
  • Z Grade (Unfinished): Counts as 0.0 until resolved with a final grade - often used for incomplete work.

How to Calculate Your Penn State GPA

Wondering how to calculate GPA Penn State style? It's the standard formula - but with Penn State's unique grading scale. Each course has credit hours. Each grade has point values based on the Penn State GPA scale. Multiply them together, add everything up, divide by total credits. That's your Penn State grade point average.

But honestly? Why do the math when this college gpa calculator penn state tool does it instantly? Here's how to use it:

Step 1

Enter Current GPA

If you have an existing GPA from LionPATH, enter it with your total credit hours to track cumulative progress.

Step 2

Add Your Courses

Enter each course name, credit hours, and select your letter grade from the Penn State grading scale.

Step 3

Review Results

See your semester GPA, cumulative GPA, total credits, and grade points calculated instantly.

Step 4

Plan Ahead

Experiment with different grades to see how they would affect your overall Penn State GPA.

Understanding Penn State GPA Requirements

Let's be real - your GPA at Penn State matters. A lot, actually. Whether you're trying to make Dean's List, get into a competitive major like engineering or business, maintain your scholarship, or transfer from a branch campus to University Park - knowing what GPA is required for Penn State goals is kind of essential.

The Penn State GPA requirements vary depending on what you're going for. Need to graduate? 2.0 minimum. Want Dean's List? That requires at least a 3.5 GPA with 12+ graded credits. And if you're in engineering, Smeal College of Business, or another competitive program? The bar is usually higher.

Here's something a lot of students don't realize: Penn State has a late drop policy and grade forgiveness options. You can retake courses to replace grades in your GPA calculation. That's huge if you bombed organic chemistry freshman year (trust me, you're not alone). Use our Penn State cumulative GPA calculator with the "what if" feature to see exactly how retaking a course would impact your GPA.

For high school students wondering about Penn State GPA requirements for admission - the average weighted GPA for Penn State main campus is around 3.56-3.89. But Penn State considers your whole application holistically, so don't give up if you're slightly below that range.

Penn State University campus - home of the Nittany Lions

Penn State GPA Requirements Quick Reference

Graduation Minimum

Required to graduate from Penn State

2.0 GPA

Dean's List

With 12+ graded credit hours

3.5 GPA

Summa Cum Laude

Highest graduation honor

3.9 GPA

Good Standing

To avoid academic probation

2.0 GPA

Penn State GPA Requirements by Campus

Penn State has over 20 campuses, and GPA expectations can vary. Whether you're at University Park, World Campus, or a branch campus like Behrend or Harrisburg - here's what you need to know about Penn State GPA requirements.

University Park (Main Campus)

The most competitive Penn State campus. Average admitted freshman GPA is 3.56-3.89 weighted. Penn State GPA requirements for main campus admission are the highest in the system. Once enrolled, maintain a 2.0 minimum, but competitive majors and honors programs expect more. Use our Penn State university gpa calculator to track your standing.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State's online campus uses the same grading scale and GPA calculation as all other campuses. Our Penn State World Campus GPA calculator works identically because World Campus students earn the same Penn State degree. GPA requirements are generally the same as University Park for program admission.

Branch Campuses (Behrend, Harrisburg, etc.)

Penn State Behrend, Harrisburg, Abington, Altoona and other branch campuses often have lower admission GPA requirements (typically 3.0-3.3). Many students use these as stepping stones through the 2+2 program. Our Penn State Behrend GPA calculator and Penn State Harrisburg GPA calculator use the same grading scale - it's all Penn State.

2+2 Program Transfer Requirements

The Penn State 2+2 GPA requirements let you start at a branch campus and transfer to University Park after two years. Minimum GPA is 2.0, but competitive majors want 3.0+. Engineering programs are especially selective. Use this penn state gpa calculator to ensure you're on track for your intended major's transfer requirements.

Penn State GPA Honors - What It Takes to Stand Out

Looking to achieve Penn State honors recognition? Here's what you need to know about the different Penn State GPA honors levels and how to reach them:

Semester Honors

  • Dean's List:3.5+ GPA
  • Requires 12+ graded credits per semester

Graduation Honors

  • Cum Laude:3.5+ GPA
  • Magna Cum Laude:3.7+ GPA
  • Summa Cum Laude:3.9+ GPA

Schreyer Honors College

Penn State's prestigious Schreyer Honors College requires a 3.4+ cumulative GPA to remain in good standing. Admission is competitive, typically requiring a 3.7+ high school GPA. Use our Penn State cumulative GPA calculator to ensure you maintain your Schreyer standing throughout your college career.

Where Do I Find My Penn State GPA in LionPATH?

Looking for your official Penn State GPA? LionPATH is where you'll find it. Here's exactly how to check your gpa Penn State style:

  1. 1Log into LionPATH - Go to lionpath.psu.edu and sign in with your Penn State credentials
  2. 2Navigate to My Academics - Find the "Academics" or "My Academics" section in the menu
  3. 3View Your Grades - Your semester GPA and cumulative Penn State GPA will be displayed here

Pro tip: Use our Penn State LionPATH GPA calculator to estimate your GPA before grades are posted in LionPATH. It's way less stressful than waiting for official grades to see where you stand.

More GPA Calculators for Other Universities

Have friends at other schools? We've got university-specific GPA calculators for them too. Each uses the official grading scale for that institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about calculating your Penn State University GPA - from the PSU GPA scale to admission requirements

How do I calculate my Penn State GPA?

To calculate your Penn State GPA, multiply each course's credit hours by the grade points (A=4.0, A-=3.67, B+=3.33, etc.), sum all grade points, then divide by total credit hours. Our Penn State GPA calculator does this automatically - just enter your courses, credits, and grades. This is exactly how to calculate GPA Penn State style, using the same formula that appears in LionPATH.

What is the Penn State GPA scale?

The Penn State GPA scale uses: A (4.0), A- (3.67), B+ (3.33), B (3.0), B- (2.67), C+ (2.33), C (2.0), D (1.0), and F (0.0). Important: Penn State does NOT use C- or D+/D- grades - the scale jumps from C to D. This Penn State grading scale applies to all campuses including University Park, World Campus, and branch campuses like Behrend, Harrisburg, and Altoona.

What is the Penn State GPA calculator LionPATH connection?

LionPATH is Penn State's student information system where your official GPA is calculated and stored. Our Penn State GPA calculator uses the exact same grading scale as LionPATH. Use this tool to estimate your GPA before grades are posted, run 'what if' scenarios, or verify your LionPATH calculations. It's essentially a Penn State LionPATH GPA calculator you can use anytime.

What are the Penn State GPA requirements for admission?

Penn State GPA admission requirements vary by campus. University Park (main campus) typically admits students with a 3.5+ weighted GPA. Branch campuses like Penn State Behrend, Harrisburg, Abington, and Altoona may accept students with lower GPAs - generally 3.0-3.3. The average weighted GPA for Penn State main campus is around 3.56-3.89. Transfer students should check specific Penn State GPA requirements for transfer students by program.

What GPA do you need for Penn State main campus?

Penn State GPA requirements for main campus admission typically expect a weighted high school GPA of 3.5-4.0+. The average GPA for admitted Penn State freshmen at University Park is approximately 3.56-3.89 weighted. However, Penn State uses holistic review - strong essays, extracurriculars, and SAT/ACT scores can offset a slightly lower GPA. Use our penn state gpa calculator to track where you stand.

What is a B+ at Penn State?

A B+ at Penn State is worth 3.33 grade points. On the Penn State 4.0 scale, it falls between a B (3.0) and an A- (3.67). If you're calculating your Penn State GPA and wondering 'what is gpa b+' - our calculator automatically applies the correct 3.33 value when you select B+ for any course.

How do I check my GPA in LionPATH?

To find your official Penn State GPA, log into LionPATH (lionpath.psu.edu), navigate to 'My Academics,' then select 'View My Grades' or 'Academic Records.' Your cumulative GPA and semester GPAs will be displayed. Use our Penn State GPA calculator to estimate your GPA before grades post or to plan future semesters.

What are Penn State GPA requirements for engineering?

Penn State GPA requirements for engineering are competitive. To enter the College of Engineering, you typically need a 3.0+ GPA in prerequisite courses. Some engineering majors like Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering are more selective. Current Penn State engineering students should maintain a 2.0 minimum to remain in good standing, but most engineering employers and grad schools prefer 3.0+.

Does Penn State use weighted or unweighted GPA?

Penn State calculates your college GPA on an unweighted 4.0 scale - all courses count equally regardless of difficulty. However, for high school admission, Penn State considers your weighted GPA. The Penn State gpa weighted vs cumulative gpa distinction matters: weighted includes AP/honors bonuses (high school), while cumulative is your running Penn State average. Our gpa penn state calculator handles the unweighted college calculation.

What are Penn State honors GPA requirements?

Penn State GPA honors recognition includes: Dean's List requires 3.5+ GPA with 12+ graded credits per semester. Graduation with distinction requires: Cum Laude (3.5+), Magna Cum Laude (3.7+), and Summa Cum Laude (3.9+) cumulative GPAs. Schreyer Honors College students must maintain a 3.4+ cumulative GPA. Use our Penn State cumulative GPA calculator to track your progress toward these honors benchmarks.

Can I get into Penn State with a 3.2 GPA?

Yes, you can potentially get into Penn State with a 3.2 GPA. While University Park (main campus) is more competitive, Penn State's branch campuses like Behrend, Altoona, Harrisburg, and Abington often accept students with 3.0-3.3 GPAs. Many students start at a branch campus and transfer to University Park after earning a competitive Penn State GPA. The 2+2 program is designed exactly for this pathway.

What is Penn State's 2+2 program GPA requirement?

Penn State 2+2 GPA requirements allow students to complete two years at a branch campus before transferring to University Park. To transfer, you'll typically need a 2.0 minimum GPA, but competitive majors require higher (often 3.0+). Engineering and business programs have stricter Penn State GPA requirements for transfer students. Our Penn State GPA calculator can help you track your progress toward transfer eligibility.

Need Help Improving Your Penn State GPA?

Knowing how to calculate your Penn State GPA is one thing. Actually improving it? That's where things get tricky. Whether you're struggling with a tough engineering course, trying to boost your GPA for the 2+2 transfer to University Park, or just need help keeping up with World Campus online classes - we can help.

Our online class tutoring connects you with subject matter experts who understand what it takes to succeed at Penn State.

  • One-on-one tutoring from subject matter experts
  • Help with assignments, discussions, and projects
  • Flexible scheduling that works around your Nittany Lion schedule
  • Support for engineering, business, and all other majors

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