How Grading Works at National University
National University uses a plus/minus letter grading system on a 4.0 scale: A (4.0), A- (3.7), B+ (3.3), B (3.0), B- (2.7), C+ (2.3), C (2.0), C- (1.7), D+ (1.3), D (1.0), D- (0.7), and F (0). There is no A+. Grades are based on each student's individual performance against course criteria, not on a curve.
Several marks carry no grade points and are not computed in the GPA: H (Honors), S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), CR (Credit), and NC (No Credit).
National University's percentage-to-letter conversion differs by program level: this calculator reflects the undergraduate scale. In National University's graduate and doctoral programs, any score below 73% is recorded as F rather than C-, D+, D, or D-.
Source: Academic and University Policies — "Grades": Academic Performance Grade Scale, Administrative Class Grades, Unified Grade Scale — verified Sep 2026
How Your GPA Is Calculated
Grade point average is calculated using only grades that carry points (A through F). Incomplete (I), Withdrawal (W), Withdrawal Military Leave (WL), No Grade (NG), Prior Learning Credit (PLC), and Repeated Dissertation Sequence (RD) grades carry no grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
When an undergraduate course is repeated, only the highest grade counts toward GPA; undergraduate courses may be retaken up to two times (three attempts total), and the transcript displays every attempt. Graduate courses may be retaken once (two attempts total) without additional School approval.
Transfer credit accepted by the University counts toward program pace and time-to-degree limits, but transfer grades are not included in the University GPA.
Source: Academic and University Policies — Repetition of Classes; Administrative Class Codes; SAP Treatment of Courses and Credits — verified Sep 2026
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
National University measures academic progress through Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which evaluates a student's Program GPA, course completion rate ("Pace"), and maximum timeframe to complete a program. The minimum Program GPA is 2.0 for undergraduate programs and 3.0 for master's, doctoral, and graduate-certificate programs; students must also successfully complete at least 66.67% of cumulative credit hours attempted.
Students who fail to meet SAP standards move through a sequence of statuses: Met, Warning, Suspension (loses Title IV aid eligibility unless an appeal is approved), Probation (after an approved appeal), and Dismissal. Suspension appeals must be submitted within 7 calendar days of the status change.
Source: Academic and University Policies — Satisfactory Academic Progress: SAP Component Definitions, SAP Statuses, SAP Appeals — verified Sep 2026
GPA Required to Graduate
To have an undergraduate degree conferred, a student needs a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.0, including at least a 2.0 within their major/core coursework and within any minor or concentration. Master's, doctoral, and graduate-certificate degrees require a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Source: Academic and University Policies — Graduation Requirements: GPA Requirements, Degree Conferral Requirements — verified Sep 2026
Graduation Honors and the Dean's List
Undergraduates who have earned at least 30 semester credit hours with letter grades at National University may graduate with Latin honors: Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.90+), Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.70-3.89), or Cum Laude (GPA 3.50-3.69).
The National University Dean's List is a quarterly recognition for students completing at least 6 semester credit hours with a three-month GPA of at least 3.5 (undergraduate) or 3.7 (graduate).
Source: Academic and University Policies — Honors and With Distinction (Undergraduate); National University Dean's List — verified Sep 2026
Transfer Credit and Your GPA
National University accepts transfer credit from other accredited institutions toward degree requirements, and official transcripts for all accepted transfer credit must be on file. Accepted transfer credits count toward a student's Pace and Maximum Timeframe calculations under Satisfactory Academic Progress, but they are not included in the University's cumulative GPA calculation.
Source: Academic and University Policies — SAP Treatment of Courses and Credits: Transfer Credits from Another Institution — verified Sep 2026