How to Calculate Your GPA

A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by identifying a set of classes for which you want to create a snapshot of your academic performance. Common GPA calculations that you'll hear are "Cumulative GPA", "Semester GPA", and "Major GPA".

Each letter grade you earn equals a certain number of points, called quality points

Grade Quality Points Per Credit Hour
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
F 0.0

Each course you attempt is worth a certain number of credit hours, called credit hours attempted. Grades of I, CR, NC, WP, WF, and W are not included in credit hours attempted.

Whatever set of classes for which you want to calculate a GPA, you sum the total number of quality points earned and divide the sum by the total number of credit hours attempted:

Total Quality Points Earned for a Set of Classes
Credit Hours Attempted for a Set of Classes

To understand JMU's Academic Grading System, view the Undergraduate Academic Catalog > Academic Policies and Procedures > Undergraduate Grading System.

How to Review your Transcripts
Review Unofficial Transcript
  1. Log into MyMadison
  2. Click the "Student" tab
  3. Click "Student Center"
  4. Click on the "other academic..." drop-down menu, select "Transcript: View Unofficial", and click on the double-arrow button
  5. Click the green "view report" button. This will download an electronic .pdf of your unofficial transcript.
Request Official Transcript

Current students may order an official transcript through MyMadison. Before requesting through MyMadison, please verify that your degree conferral and/or semester grades have been posted by viewing your unofficial transcript (directions above).

  1. Log into MyMadison
  2. Click the "Student" tab
  3. Click "Student Center"
  4. Click on the "other academic..." drop-down menu, select "Request Official Transcript", and click on the double-arrow button

Current students should also read additional the Current Student Transcript information provided by the Registrar.

Alumni and former students should read the Alumni/Former Student Transcript information provided by the Registrar.

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