How Berklee Calculates GPA
Berklee uses a point system in which each letter grade carries an equivalent numerical value (quality points). Quality points for a course are computed by multiplying the course credit by the numerical value of the grade assigned.
A semester GPA is obtained by dividing the total quality points earned in that semester by the total credits attempted and graded in that semester. The cumulative GPA (CGPA) divides total quality points earned across all semesters by total credits attempted and graded across all semesters. Berklee does not rank its students.
Grades of Incomplete (I) are not calculated into the GPA, and no credit is earned for a course graded Incomplete.
Source: Policy Handbook for Students 2025-2026, section 28 Grading and section 31 Calculating GPA — verified Aug 2026
Minimum GPA Requirements
Undergraduate College students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 and a major cumulative GPA of at least 2.70 to remain in good standing. Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 and earn a grade of B- or higher in every course counting toward degree requirements.
On a retaken course, only the most recent grade counts toward the cumulative GPA; retakes are only permitted after a final grade of C+ or lower (courses graded B- or higher may not be retaken). Courses designated as repeatable for credit (most instrumental labs, ensembles, non-leveled private instruction and ensembles, and similar) count every attempted grade toward the GPA.
Source: Policy Handbook for Students 2025-2026, Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and section 27 Repeat and Retake Course Policy — verified Aug 2026
Academic Warning, Advisory Status, and Suspension
Undergraduate students who fall below any Satisfactory Academic Progress standard (cumulative GPA 2.00, 70% cumulative credit-completion rate, or degree completion within 150% of the published program length) are placed on academic warning with one additional semester to recover; a second failure results in academic suspension and loss of financial aid eligibility.
Undergraduate students whose major cumulative GPA falls below 2.70 are placed on advisory status in the major and must meet with their major chair to discuss academic status and a plan for improvement.
Graduate students who fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (cumulative GPA 3.00) or the B- per-course requirement are placed on dismissal warning; a second failure results in dismissal from the program. A single grade of F triggers dismissal warning; two or more F grades result in immediate dismissal.
Source: Policy Handbook for Students 2025-2026, Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and section 35 Advisory Status in Majors — verified Aug 2026
Dean's List and Latin Honors
Undergraduate College students earn Dean's List distinction in a semester by carrying at least 12 credits (or 8-11 as an approved part-time student) with a semester GPA of 3.50 or above, no grade below B, and no grade of Withdrawal (W). A grade of Incomplete defers Dean's List determination to the semester it is resolved.
Undergraduate students earn Latin Honors at graduation based on cumulative GPA: Summa Cum Laude for 3.85-4.00, Magna Cum Laude for 3.70-3.84, and Cum Laude for 3.50-3.69. College graduate students with a GPA of 3.80 or higher whose Culminating Experience represents outstanding achievement may be awarded their degree "with distinction."
Source: Policy Handbook for Students 2025-2026, section 30 Dean's List and section 38 Latin Honors and Distinction — verified Aug 2026
Transfer Credit Grade Requirements
Berklee accepts undergraduate transfer credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities where a grade of C (73 percent, 2.0) or higher was earned. Graduate transfer credit requires a grade of B (83 percent, 3.0) or higher, and is capped at six credits toward the degree.
Transfer grades are not calculated into the Berklee GPA and do not appear on the Berklee transcript.
Source: Policy Handbook for Students 2025-2026, Transfer Credit Policies and Other Course Equivalencies — verified Aug 2026