Grading System
Indiana State University uses a plus/minus letter-grading system (A+ through F), approved by the Faculty Senate effective fall 2009. Letter grades assigned for unsatisfactory course work are “F” (failure) and “U” (unsatisfactory, no grade-point value). Grades of “W” (withdrawn) are not calculated in the grade point average. An incomplete grade (“IN”) may be assigned at the end of a term for passing work left unfinished; it carries no grade-point value until resolved, normally within four weeks of the next semester and no later than one calendar year.
The grade point average is calculated by dividing the number of grade points earned by the number of credit hours attempted; no points are recorded for an “F,” though the attempted hours are still included in the computation.
Source: Undergraduate Academic Information, Grading System section, 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog — verified Aug 2026
Course Repeat and Pass/Fail Option
Students may repeat any course for grade improvement; only the highest grade earned at Indiana State University is included in the cumulative GPA computation, though both the initial and repeat grades remain on the student's record. Courses that can be taken multiple times for credit are not covered by this policy.
Undergraduate students pursuing their first baccalaureate degree may elect a Pass/Fail grade mode for up to 7 credits per term (16 credits total). A Pass (“P”) or No Pass (“NP”) grade does not impact GPA calculation, even though the university's own equivalency table lists P as equivalent to D- and NP as equivalent to F for other purposes.
Source: Undergraduate Academic Information: Course Repeat Policy and Pass/Fail Option sections — verified Aug 2026
Academic Standing
A cumulative GPA of C (2.0) or above is required to be in good academic standing. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 are placed on Academic Warning and must participate in the University Academic Recovery program until their GPA returns to good standing.
Students on Academic Warning are separated from the university (absent a dean's exception) if their term GPA falls below: 1.7 with fewer than 30 earned hours; 2.0 with 30–59 earned hours; or 2.2 with 60–89 earned hours. A first academic separation requires sitting out one semester; a subsequent separation requires one academic year before re-admission.
Source: Undergraduate Academic Information, Academic Standing-Requirements for Continued Enrollment section — verified Aug 2026
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, a student must earn a minimum of 120 credit hours, complete at least 30 credit hours in residence at Indiana State University (at least 9 of them at the 300-400 level), complete a minimum of 45 credit hours of 300-400 level coursework overall, complete the Undergraduate Core Curriculum, and earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Some individual degree programs require a higher minimum GPA than the University floor.
Source: Undergraduate Academic Information, Graduation section — verified Aug 2026
Dean's List and Graduation Honors
The Dean's List recognizes full-time students (minimum 12 credit hours of punitive A-F grades) whose semester GPA is 3.5 to 4.0.
Baccalaureate graduates with high academic achievement receive Latin honors based on cumulative GPA: Cum Laude (3.50–3.69), Magna Cum Laude (3.70–3.89), and Summa Cum Laude (3.90 or higher). Latin honor eligibility additionally requires a minimum of 55 credit hours of Indiana State University resident credit (excluding transfer, prior-learning, placement-exam, and military credit).
Source: Undergraduate Academic Information: Dean's List Requirements and Graduation Honors sections — verified Aug 2026