Additional Grade Symbols
Beyond the letter grades A–F, Southwest Texas College records several administrative grade symbols, each carrying 0 grade points: Q (failure based on attendance), I (conditional/incomplete — becomes an F if the required work is not completed by the end of the first six weeks of the following semester, including summer school), W (withdrew), EW (enforced withdrawal), NR (not reported by instructor), and CIP (course in progress). A Z grade, used under the Six Course Drop Rule, is not counted as a course attempted.
Source: Academic Regulations — Grades and Grade Reports — verified Sep 2026
How GPA Is Calculated
Southwest Texas College computes more than one GPA depending on purpose:
| GPA type | SWTX Academic | SWTX Developmental | Transfer Academic | Transfer Developmental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SWTX | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| College Level Course | Yes | No | Yes | No |
If a student repeats a course for which they already have credit, the best grade received becomes the permanent grade for that course. The previous grade stays on the permanent record but is not included in determining the GPA.
Source: Academic Regulations — Grade Point Averages Used at Southwest Texas College — verified Sep 2026
Minimum Scholastic Standards
Students must maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 2.0 to remain in Academic Good Standing.
- Scholastic Probation: imposed if a semester or overall GPA falls below 2.0; students on probation are limited to 12 semester credit hours in a regular term (3 in a summer term).
- Removal from Probation: a student returns to Good Standing by earning at least a 2.0 GPA in the next semester of enrollment and having an overall GPA of at least 2.0.
- Scholastic Suspension: imposed on a student already on Probation who fails to reach a 2.0 GPA both for the next semester and overall; the student may not re-enroll until a fall or spring semester has elapsed.
- Conditional Probation: granted on a successful suspension appeal; limited to 6 semester credit hours in a regular term (3 in a summer term).
Source: Academic Regulations — Minimum Scholastic Standards — verified Sep 2026
Minimum GPA for Graduation
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in college-level courses is required to graduate, consistently across every degree and certificate pathway (Associate of Arts in General Studies, Associate of Science, Associate of Science in Engineering Science, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Applied Science, and technical certificates).
Source: 2026-2027 catalog — degree/certificate requirement lists — verified Sep 2026
Academic Honors
Honor Graduates (Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science): Summa Cum Laude, 3.90–4.00 GPA; Magna Cum Laude, 3.70–3.89 GPA; Cum Laude, 3.60–3.69 GPA.
Dean's Honor Roll: enrolled in 12 or more semester hours (excluding developmental hours) in a fall or spring semester with a semester GPA of 3.60 or better.
President's Honor Roll: enrolled in 12 or more semester hours (excluding developmental hours) in a fall or spring semester with a semester GPA of 4.0.
Source: Academic Regulations — Student Honors — verified Sep 2026
Frequently asked questions
What grading scheme does Southwest Texas College (SWTX) use?
Where does this SWTX grade scale come from?
How are developmental (college-preparatory) courses graded?
Developmental (college-preparatory) courses are graded on a separate A, B, C, F, Q, I, P, or W basis and are calculated in the overall GPA, but use a different point scale from college-level courses: A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, F = 0 points, P (pass) = 0 points, Q = 0 points, W = 0 points. No percentage bands are published for developmental grading.
Source: Academic Regulations — Grades and Grade Reports (developmental courses) — verified Sep 2026
