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Grading Basis: Credit/No Credit

Prior to the schedule adjustment deadline, you can request Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) grading for certain classes. You are encouraged to speak with your academic advisor before requesting a change to your grading basis to ensure that the change will not impact your progress to degree, future educational, or professional goals.

Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) grades are not factored into your grade point average, academic probation or disqualification procedures.

Credit earned in spring 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021, summer 2021, fall 2021 or spring 2022, will not apply toward the 15-unit maximum allowed for CR/NC grading towards your bachelor's degree.

Undergraduate Students: A grade of Credit (CR) is awarded for work equivalent to a course letter grade of C (2.0) or better. No Credit (NC) is awarded for work equivalent to all grades, which earn less than 2.0 grade points (C- through F).

Graduate Students: A grade of Credit (CR) is awarded for work equivalent to a course letter grade of B (3.0) or better. No Credit (NC) is awarded for work equivalent to all grades, which earn less than 3.0 grade points (B- through F).

Impact on Financial Aid and Other Program Eligibility: CR/NC grading may have an impact on your financial aid eligibility. Please review the Fall Admitted Students FAQS web page on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more information. Veterans and dependents using VA Benefits, athletes, and international students are subject to special rules, please contact your program to learn more.

Requests to update your grading basis to Credit/No Credit are accepted between registering for the course and the schedule adjustment deadline.

Petition for Credit/No Credit Form Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

These frequently asked questions apply to undergraduate students. If you are a graduate student, please refer to the Graduate Current Student website for more information on the Grading Basis (CR/NC).

If I decide to take a course CR/NC, how will this impact my overall GPA?
Credit/No Credit (CR/NR) grades do not have grade points associated with them, which means they are not included in your GPA calculation. For example, if you take 15 units of courses CR/NC for one semester, you will earn units toward your degree and meet the course requirements (such as a major or GE requirements), but your SDSU GPA will not change. Your GPA will be the same as what it was prior to starting the semester of 15 units.
If I am currently on academic probation, how will taking a class for CR/NC grading impact my academic standing?
Earning a CR in a course does not generate grade points, which means it does not change your overall GPA nor impact your academic probation. Taking a class CR/NC will not help to raise your GPA.
Will I be eligible for Dean's List with CR/NC courses?
Undergraduate students must take at least 12 units of letter-graded courses in a semester to qualify for the Dean's List, which is based on GPA. If you meet the minimum GPA, but elect to take courses as CR/NC resulting in having fewer than 12 units of courses that assign letter grades, then you will not be eligible for the Dean's List.
If I am retaking a class for grade forgiveness, can I still take the course CR/NC?
No. In order to use course forgiveness to forgive a deficient grade, you must repeat the course with a letter grade. If you have questions about repeating classes and how grade forgiveness will impact your GPA, contact your assistant dean or academic advisor.
Can I take a General Education (GE) class for CR/NC?
Most GE courses can be taken for CR/NC, with a few exceptions. It is required that GE courses in Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking and Math are passed with a C- or better, and therefore cannot be taken for CR/NC.

Courses that are taken to satisfy major or minor requirements but also satisfy GE must also be taken for a letter grade and cannot be taken for CR/NC.

Can I take a major or minor class for CR/NC?
It depends on your major or minor. Speak to your assistant dean or academic advisor.
What happens if I opt for CR/NC in a course that serves as a prerequisite for another course I need to take?
You will need to check with the academic department for the course to determine if they will accept the CR instead of a letter grade. If they accept the CR, they will need to update your academic record to ensure you will be able to register for the subsequent course.

If you earn an NC for a prerequisite course, you will not be able to take the next course. You will need to retake the prerequisite course for a letter grade and meet the minimum grade requirement.

If I am in an accredited program, can I take courses CR/NC?
Rules differ by accreditation agencies. Please contact your assistant dean or academic advisor to determine what is permissible.
If I am taking a course through Open University, can I take it CR/NC?
Yes, but all of the same issues listed on this page, should be taken into consideration.

If you have been academically disqualified and are enrolled through Open University, note that taking a class CR/NC will not help you raise your GPA. If you are trying to raise your GPA for readmission, think carefully about whether a letter grade or CR/NC is the best option. If you have questions, make an appointment to meet with an evaluations specialist in the Office of the Registrar.

Can I change my grading basis after the Schedule Adjustment Deadline?
All requests to change to CR/NC grading must be submitted by the deadline specified. In the event that there are serious and compelling mitigating circumstances necessitating a change to your grading basis, you may file a Petition for Late Schedule Adjustment after the deadline. These requests will be reviewed by the assistant dean of your college.
What was the Credit/No Credit policy during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Given the uncertainty of COVID-19, students had the option to change from a letter grade to Credit/No Credit during spring 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021, fall 2021, and spring 2022.

Credit earned in spring 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021, summer 2021, fall 2021 or spring 2022, will not apply toward the 15-unit maximum allowed for CR/NC grading towards your bachelor's degree.