USC Grading Scale: All You Need to Know

Thousands of students want to get into USC, but once you’re there, you’ll need to understand the school’s academic standards. The USC grading scale explains how your work in class turns into grades, which can impact scholarships, internships, and other opportunities.

In this blog, we’ll break down how the USC grading scale works, what each letter grade means, and how GPA values are calculated. Whether you’re aiming for honors or want to maintain solid grades, this guide will help you succeed academically at USC.

• What Is the USC Grading Scale?
• Other Types of Grades at USC
• How to Get Good Grades at USC
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the USC Grading Scale?

USC’s grading scale follows the standard 4.0 system to measure academic performance. Letter grades range from A to F, with A representing excellent work, B good work, C fair work, and D the minimum passing grade. An F means the student didn’t meet course requirements and earned no credit.

The table below shows the general descriptions for each letter grade:

In addition to whole letter grades, USC’s grading scale includes plus and minus variations for more precise evaluation. For example, a B+ is worth more grade points than a B, and a C- is worth less than a C. The only exceptions are A+, F+, and F-, which aren’t used in grading.

Each letter grade has a specific numeric value used to determine your grade point average (GPA), a measure of academic performance over time. The table below shows the numeric equivalent for each grade at USC:

Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total units attempted.

To graduate from USC, you must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0, which is the equivalent of a C average. This requirement applies to all classes taken at USC and any credits transferred from another college.

You must also have a GPA of at least 2.0 in all upper-division courses that count toward your major. Upper-division courses are advanced classes, usually taken in your junior and senior years. USC doesn’t make exceptions to GPA calculations, so every course you take will count toward your final average.

Other Types of Grades at USC

USC’s grading scale includes the standard A–F letter grades as well as additional marks that represent specific circumstances. These marks don’t always affect your GPA, but can appear on your transcript and impact your academic record.

Credit (CR)

Credit is given for non-letter-graded courses when you meet the minimum required standard. For undergraduate students, this means work at the level of C- or higher. For graduate students, it means work at the level of B or higher.

A “CR” grade doesn’t affect your GPA but confirms that you completed the course. This option can be useful for classes outside your major where you want to focus on learning without the pressure of earning a letter grade.

No Credit (NR)

No Credit means you didn’t meet the minimum standard for a non-letter-graded course. This means earning less than the equivalent of a C-for undergraduates. For graduate students, it means earning less than a B.

An “NC” grade doesn’t affect your GPA, but it does mean you didn’t receive credit for the course. This could prevent the class from counting toward graduation requirements, so it’s important to understand the grading expectations before choosing a non-letter-graded option.

Pass (P)

A Pass, shown as “P” on your transcript, is a passing grade for a letter-graded course taken on a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) basis. For undergraduates, this means work at the level of C- or higher. For graduate students, it means work at the level of B or higher.

A “P” grade doesn’t affect your GPA but gives you credit for completing the course. This option can be helpful if you want to take a class outside your major without worrying about how the letter grade might affect your GPA.

No Pass (NP)

No Pass, shown as “NP” on your transcript, is a failing grade for a letter-graded course taken on a Pass/No Pass basis. For undergraduates, this means earning the equivalent of D+ or below. For graduate students, it means earning a B- or below.

An “NP” grade doesn’t affect your GPA but means you didn’t earn credit for the course. This can delay progress toward graduation if the course is required, so it’s important to meet the minimum standard even when taking a class Pass/No Pass.

Withdrawal (W)

A Withdrawal on your transcript indicates that you dropped a course after the third week of classes in the Academic Calendar.

Courses dropped within the first three weeks of the semester (or the equivalent for shorter courses) won’t appear on your transcript at all. Once the third week passes, any course you drop will be recorded with a “W”.

You can withdraw from a course until the end of the 12th week of the semester (or the equivalent for shorter courses). After that, withdrawal is generally not allowed unless you submit a petition for exceptional circumstances, which is rarely approved. Instructors can’t withdraw a student from a class; withdrawal must be initiated by the student.

A “W” simply shows that you left the course and doesn’t affect your GPA. However, you may not withdraw from a course if you’ve committed or are accused of committing an academic integrity violation. When a withdrawal is processed, the “W” will appear in the Final Grade column on your transcript.

Unofficial Withdrawal (UW)

An Unofficial Withdrawal is assigned when you stop attending a class before the withdrawal deadline but fail to officially drop the course. Even if you’re no longer participating, your name will still appear enrolled.

A “UW” is computed in your GPA the same way as an F, earning zero grade points. It indicates a failure to take the administrative steps required to officially withdraw from the class.

Missing Grade (MG)

A Missing Grade is an administrative mark that the instructor assigns in rare or unusual situations. It’s typically used when you haven’t completed all coursework before the semester ends, and the case falls under specific grading policies.

The instructor must resolve an MG through the official Correction of Grade process outlined in the Student Handbook.

You have one calendar year to resolve a Missing Grade. If it isn’t resolved within that time, the MG automatically changes to a “UW”, which counts as zero grade points in your GPA.

Incomplete (I)

An Incomplete is assigned when you can’t finish course requirements because of a documented illness or another serious emergency. This mark can only be given if the situation occurs after the 12th week of the semester (or the equivalent point in a shorter course).

How to Get Good Grades at USC

Earning good grades at USC requires consistent effort, effective study habits, and making the most of the resources available to you. Follow the tips below to stay on track with your academic performance and succeed in college.

1. Understand USC’s academic standards.

Knowing USC’s grading scale and academic policies is one of the easiest ways to protect your GPA and stay on track for graduation. You’re considered in good academic standing if you’re eligible to register for classes, but that can change quickly if your grades slip.

Again, you must maintain an overall USC GPA of 2.0 or higher (equivalent to a C average) on all coursework to earn an undergraduate degree. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you’ll be placed on academic probation.

Under probation, you must meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes each semester and check in with a counselor in the Office of Academic Review and Retention at least three times during the term. These meetings are designed to help you choose classes strategically and get your GPA back above the 2.0 threshold.

Remember, USC takes probation seriously. If your GPA stays below 2.0 for two consecutive semesters (excluding summer), you may be academically disqualified. However, there’s a small safety net: if you earn a semester GPA of 2.3 or higher during your second (or any later) probation semester, you can stay enrolled even if your overall GPA is below 2.0.

This rule gives students making real progress a chance to keep going instead of being removed from the university.

2. Attendance is a must.

It goes without saying, but showing up to class is one of the simplest ways to keep your grades up. When you attend regularly, you hear your professor’s explanations firsthand. This is especially true for classes like math or science, where actual demonstrations can make complex ideas easier to understand.

Showing up also means taking an active role in class discussions. Engaging with the material, asking questions, and contributing your own ideas helps reinforce what you’ve learned while also making a positive impression on your professor. Those connections can come in handy if you need extra help later or are looking for guidance on projects and assignments.

Good attendance should be accompanied by effective note-taking skills. In lecture-heavy courses, this might involve writing down key vocabulary, important formulas, or sample problems. In discussion-based classes, it means listening closely and summarizing the main ideas and central arguments as they’re presented.

When you make note-taking a consistent habit, reviewing and understanding the material becomes much easier. You’ll retain more information, prepare more effectively for exams, and give yourself a better chance of boosting your GPA.

3. Maximize your resources.

USC offers a wide range of services to help students reach their academic goals. These include academic advisers, tutoring programs, counseling services, and more, all designed to support your success. If you run into challenges, ask for help early so you can address issues before they affect your performance.

If you’re a student-athlete, the Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS) office offers specialized support such as academic counseling throughout the year, priority scheduling, excused absence letters, and disability testing accommodations.

Many schools within USC also offer their own specialized resources. For example, USC Dornsife majors can use The Language Center to study a new language for a requirement or personal interest. The Supplemental Instruction program pairs upperclass students with certain courses to lead weekly study sessions and midterm review sessions. And The Writing Center provides one-on-one tutoring to help you strengthen your college-level writing skills.

Knowing what resources are available (and actually using them!) can significantly impact your academic performance. These programs exist to help you succeed, but they only work if you take the first step and seek them out.

4. Master time management.

College life isn’t all about grades. At USC, you’ll want to make time to meet people, join activities, and enjoy campus traditions like Springfest or cheering at football games.

The challenge is fitting it all in without letting your academics slip. With so many classes, assignments, and events competing for your attention, learning to manage your time effectively is super important.

Start by using a planner or digital calendar to track deadlines, exams, and important commitments. Schedule dedicated study blocks for each subject and treat them like fixed appointments, free from distractions. Then, balance those study sessions with planned breaks to stay productive over the long term.

5. Don’t forget self-care!

Academic success at USC also depends on how well you look after yourself. When your days are packed with classes, assignments, and campus activities, neglecting your health can quickly drain your focus and motivation.

Start by giving your body and mind the fuel they need. Eat nutritious, balanced meals throughout the day, and make breakfast non-negotiable, especially during early classes or exams.

Pair good nutrition with a consistent sleep routine, meaning going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Getting at least eight hours of rest will strengthen your memory and keep your mood steady.

Of course, physical activity is just as important to boost your energy and reduce stress. USC offers many ways to stay active, from joining a sports team to using the USC Village Fitness Center. Even a daily walk between classes can help!

By prioritizing self-care, you’ll have the stamina, focus, and resilience to succeed academically while fully enjoying life at USC.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the average GPA for USC?

There’s no official average GPA for USC. However, undergrads must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA following USC’s grading scale to stay in good academic standing. Falling below this threshold can place you on academic probation until your GPA improves.

2. How does USC calculate GPA?

How USC calculates GPA is simple. The school turns each letter grade into a number, multiplying it by the number of units for that class, and adding everything up. Then, it divides the total grade points by the total units you’ve taken. This includes courses you’ve completed at USC and any approved transfer credits.

3. Can I get into USC with a 3.5 GPA?

If you’re wondering whether you can get into USC with a 3.5 GPA, the short answer is that it’s possible but not typical. While there’s no minimum GPA, most admitted students have an unweighted GPA between 3.77 and 4.00, so a 3.5 is lower than the usual range. Still, USC reviews applications holistically and looks at test scores, extracurriculars, and more.

Takeaways

• The USC grading scale follows the standard 4.0 grading scale, with each letter grade assigned a numerical value for GPA calculations.
• To stay in good academic standing, you need at least a 2.0 GPA; falling below can lead to academic probation.
• Other grade marks, such as CR, P, W, and I, may not affect your GPA but still appear on your transcript.
• Strong grades at USC require consistent attendance, solid study habits, effective time management, and active use of the university’s academic resources.
• If USC is your goal, work with an admissions expert who can help you develop standout essays, highlight your achievements, and strengthen your overall application.