Grading scale overview
The current American University grading scale has been in effect since Fall 2012, replacing the grading system that was used from Fall 1978 through Summer 2012.
Source: Office of the University Registrar, Grading System page (Fall 2012-present policy). — verified Aug 2026
How the cumulative GPA is calculated
To calculate the cumulative grade point average, divide the sum of the quality points by the sum of semester hours. The graduate cumulative GPA includes only graduate-level coursework.
A grade of F (Academic Fail) is assigned when a student remained enrolled but did not meet the instructor's requirements for passing. A grade of FX (Administrative Fail) is assigned instead of F when a student never attended or stopped attending a class, making an academic-performance assessment impossible; instructors are asked to provide the student's last date of attendance.
Repeated courses are marked with an R following the grade entry.
An Incomplete may not stand as a permanent grade. Under the Incomplete Contract between student and instructor, a default grade is specified in advance and is recorded as the final grade if the student does not submit the outstanding work by the end of the following semester.
Source: Office of the University Registrar, Grading System page (Fall 2012-present policy). — verified Aug 2026
Frequently asked questions
What grading scheme does American University (AU) use?
Where does this AU grade scale come from?
Does this grading scale apply to the Washington College of Law?
No. American University's Washington College of Law (WCL) publishes its own separate grading policy through the Office of the Law School Registrar, distinct from the university-wide scale described here.
Source: Office of the Law School Registrar, Washington College of Law. — verified Aug 2026
