How GCU calculates your GPA
Only courses in which a letter grade (A through F) is earned count toward your GPA. Semester credits are multiplied by the grade points for the grade earned, and the total is divided by the number of semester credits in which a letter grade was earned. Courses graded CR (credit) or S (satisfactory) are not included in the GPA calculation, and a grade of U earns no credit.
GCU does not round assignment or course grades, or issue extra-credit points.
When a course is repeated, the credit used in computing GPA is the grade and credit hours earned the last time the course was taken. A grade of D or lower (undergraduate) or C or lower (graduate) earned at GCU may be replaced in a student's GPA when the identical course or equivalent is retaken, up to three attempts per course.
Source: University Policy Handbook (Summer 2026), "Grading System" and "Repeat Policy" sections, p. 200, 202 — verified Aug 2026
GPA progression, On Notice, and disqualification
If a grade drops a student's overall cumulative GPA below the minimum required for their program — 2.0 for undergraduates, 2.5 for undergraduate nursing, or 3.0 for graduate and doctoral students — the student is placed On Notice. Students have up to three course attempts to raise their GPA back to the required minimum. If the GPA is not raised within three courses, the student is Academically Disqualified for a period of 15 weeks.
Source: University Policy Handbook (Summer 2026), "Grade Point Average (GPA) Progression" section, p. 80 — verified Aug 2026
Minimum GPA to graduate
Undergraduate students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to meet the minimum GPA graduation requirement, and must earn a grade of C or better in all courses in their major and minor.
Graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for graduation, and must earn a grade of C or better in all of their courses.
Source: University Policy Handbook (Summer 2026), "Undergraduate GPA" and "Graduate GPA" sections, p. 200-201 — verified Aug 2026
Dean's List and President's List
GPAs for all undergraduate students completing 12 semester credits are reviewed to determine eligibility for academic honors. Students with an enrollment cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above qualify for the Dean's List; students with an enrollment cumulative GPA of 3.8 or above qualify for the President's List. Honors recipients are notified by letter at each 12-credit review.
Source: University Policy Handbook (Summer 2026), "Academic Honors" section, p. 202 — verified Aug 2026
How transfer credit affects your GPA
Transfer credit applied to a student's GCU record is transcribed on the transcript, but the grade earned at the other institution is not reflected on the transcript or calculated into the GCU GPA.
GCU generally accepts transfer coursework in which a grade of C or better was earned for undergraduate work, or B or better for graduate work. Undergraduate transfer credit is capped at a maximum of 90 credits, of which no more than 84 may be lower-division.
Source: University Policy Handbook (Summer 2026), "Evaluation of Transfer Credit" and related sections, p. 80, 199 — verified Aug 2026