Calculating Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
GPA formula: Total Quality Points (QP) ÷ Total GPA hours = GPA
Step 1: Figure out your total quality points
You earn quality points, also known as grade points, based on your final grade in each course. Points are determined by Rockhurst's grading system (found in the University Catalog):
| A | 4.00 | C | 2.00 |
| A- | 3.67 | C- | 1.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 | D+ | 1.33 |
| B | 3.00 | D | 1.00 |
| B- | 2.67 | F | 0.00 |
| C+ | 2.33 |
Multiply quality points by credit hours to determine total quality points (QP).
Example: Your final grade in TH 1000 is a B-. Multiply 2.67 (from the chart above) by 3 (number of credit hours for TH 1000). 2.67 x 3 = 8.01. You've earned 8.01 quality points for your B- in TH 1000. Repeat this for all your classes and add up the quality points to get your total quality points for the semester.
Sample:
| Course | Final Grade | QP | x | Credit Hours | = | Total QP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TH 1000 | B- | 2.67 | x | 3 | = | 8.01 |
| EN 1100 | B | 3.00 | x | 3 | = | 9.00 |
| HS 1100 | C | 2.00 | x | 3 | = | 6.00 |
| MT 1190 | C- | 1.67 | x | 3 | = | 5.01 |
| FS 1100 | A | 4.00 | x | 1 | = | 4.00 |
| 13 | 32.02 |
Step 2: Figure your term GPA by applying the GPA formula (QP ÷ credit hours = GPA) 32.02 ÷ 13 = 2.46.
Step 3: Use running totals of quality points and credit hours to determine your cumulative GPA.
Practice: Using information from the sample above, figure out the cumulative GPA after adding a 15-hour semester with a B average.
| QP | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 32.02 | 13 |
| Semester 2 | +_____ | + 15 |
| _____ | ÷ 28 = _____ Cumulative GPA |
Problem #1 - Calculate your term GPA using your midterm grades
If the semester ended at midterm, what GPA would you have?
| Course | Midterm Grade | Grade Points | x | Credit Hours | = | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals: | _________ | = | _________ | |||
Total QP ÷ Total Hours = GPA
GPA Formula: ________ ÷ ________ = ______
Problem #2 - Set a GPA goal
Use your current GPA (quality points and hours) to figure out a realistic GPA goal for your next semester. What will you need for the term in order to meet your overall GPA goal? HINT: Access your transcript on Rockweb to find your earned credit hours and quality points.
| QP | GPA Hours | GPA | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Totals | _____ | _____ | _____ | |
| Projected Goals | _____ | _____ | _____ (semester goal) | |
| _____ | ÷ | _____ | _____ (desired overall goal) |
Recommendations:
- Keep track of your GPA and hours.
- Know your requirements for financial aid/scholarships. See a financial aid counselor.
- Set GPA goals (both term and cumulative GPA). Use campus resources to meet them.
Other things to remember:
- Your Rockhurst GPA does not include grades from transfer coursework.
- Transfer coursework is included in the graduation honors calculation.
- You can repeat a course (at RU) to replace a failing or low grade - see catalog for details.
- The university catalog is the source to find grade (and other University) policies and specific graduation requirements.