Penn State University GPA Calculator

How grades convert to points here

Penn State University recognizes plus/minus, but an A+ is worth 4.00 rather than 4.33. That asymmetry matters at the top of the scale — you can lose points for an A- but cannot gain them back with an A+.

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Latin honors at Penn State University

Penn State University awards Latin honors by class rank rather than a fixed GPA. Graduation with Distinction requires a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA AND ranking in the top 12% of the college's graduating class; exact cum/magna/summa cutoffs set annually per college by the Registrar

Because honors here are relative, your own GPA only tells you half the story. The other half is the distribution of the graduating class, which is why Penn State University typically publishes the qualifying GPA after the fact rather than in advance.

Standing, honors lists, and retakes

Good academic standing at Penn State University requires a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Falling below it typically triggers academic warning, then probation, with dismissal only after sustained shortfall — the escalation gives time to recover.

Dean's List recognition requires a term GPA of 3.50 or above. It is calculated per term rather than cumulatively, so one strong semester earns it regardless of what came before — and one weak semester loses it regardless of a strong cumulative average.

On repeated courses: Grade forgiveness available for D or F grades: if repeated for a better grade, the original grade/credit is forgiven (excluded from term and cumulative GPA) but remains visible on the transcript

The part students usually miss

Penn State does not award A+; graduation distinction requires clearing both a flat 3.5 GPA floor and a top-12%-of-class bar simultaneously, not either alone