How grading works at Ohio University
Ohio University grades on a 4.0 scale: A (4.00), A- (3.67), B+ (3.33), B (3.00), B- (2.67), C+ (2.33), C (2.00), C- (1.67), D+ (1.33), D (1.00), D- (0.67), and F (0.00). There is no A+ — Ohio University has used a 4.0 grading system since 1941-42, and plus/minus grades (added in 1973-74) never extend a plus modifier above A.
Two additional failing grades, FN (failure, never attended) and FS (failure, stopped attending), carry the same 0.00 value as F.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Overview; Grades used in GPA calculation) — verified Aug 2026
How your GPA is calculated at Ohio University
Your GPA is determined by dividing the total grade points earned by the total semester hours of credit attempted. For example, earning a C (2.0) in one 3-hour course and a B (3.0) in another 3-hour course gives (3×2.0) + (3×3.0) = 15 grade points over 6 attempted hours, for a GPA of 2.5.
Your GPA is figured only on courses graded A-F, FN, or FS — grades of P (pass) and CR (credit) count toward hours earned but are never used to calculate your GPA.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Overview: GPA computation, worked example) — verified Aug 2026
How transfer credit is recorded at Ohio University
Transfer courses are recorded on your Ohio University academic record and degree audit with a "T" preceding the original grade (e.g., TA, TB+, TC-), but no grade points are recorded for transfer credit — only the hours earned. As a result, transfer students enter Ohio University with no GPA on their Ohio University academic record.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Transfer credit grades) — verified Aug 2026
Frequently asked questions
What grading scheme does Ohio University use?
Where does this Ohio University grade scale come from?
Does Ohio University award an A+?
No. Ohio University's policy states the university "has used a 4.0 grading system since 1941-42" and that "plus and minus grades were added in 1973-74" — but no A+ is named anywhere in the grading table. A, at 4.00, is the top of the scale.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Overview; Grades used in GPA calculation) — verified Aug 2026
Does Ohio University award a D-?
Yes. D- is printed directly in Ohio University's grading table at 0.67 grade points, described as "Passing (not acceptable at the graduate level)" for graduate students.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Grades used in GPA calculation) — verified Aug 2026
What are the FN and FS grades at Ohio University, and do they affect my GPA?
FN (failure, never attended) is given when a student never attended a class they officially registered for and did not officially drop. FS (failure, stopped attending) is given when a student stopped attending a class after participating at least once, without officially dropping it. Ohio University's policy states plainly: "FN and FS have the same value as an F" — both count as 0.00 grade points and are included in your GPA calculation, just like an F.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Overview; Grades used in GPA calculation: FN, FS) — verified Aug 2026
Does an Incomplete (I) affect my GPA at Ohio University?
Not while it's pending — an Incomplete carries no grade-point value. You must complete the work within the first two weeks of your next semester of enrollment, or within two years of the term the "I" was given, whichever comes first, or it automatically converts to an F. If you apply for graduation with an Incomplete still on your record, it will be calculated as an F for graduation-eligibility purposes and converted to F upon graduation.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (No credit: I) — verified Aug 2026
Do Pass (P) and Credit (CR) grades affect my GPA at Ohio University?
No. Ohio University's policy states P and CR "represent hours earned but are not used to calculate the GPA." P is a conversion of an underlying letter grade from A through D- under the pass/fail option; CR is used primarily for certain preapproved graduate-level courses. Both add to your hours earned without affecting your grade-point average.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Overview; Credit only: CR, P) — verified Aug 2026
What happens to my GPA if I retake a course at Ohio University?
Retaking a regular undergraduate course removes the hours and the effect of the earlier grade(s) from your GPA calculation — only your last grade is used, even if it's lower than an earlier attempt, though all attempts still appear on your transcript. Undergraduate courses may be retaken a maximum of two times in addition to the first attempt. Retaking a course after graduation will not change your graduation GPA or honors status.
Source: Policy 12.040, Grading (Retaking a course) — verified Aug 2026
