Grading
San Diego State University uses a 4.0 grade point system. Faculty members use all grades from A through F to distinguish among levels of academic accomplishment. The grade for average undergraduate achievement is C.
SDSU reports Grade Point Average (GPA) up to the second decimal place. No rounding up is done to increase the GPA above what the student has earned.
The online GPA calculator will help you determine your desired grade point average.
Grade Changes
If you believe that the grade assigned for a course is incorrect, you should attempt to resolve the matter informally with the instructor. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, you may present the case to the appropriate campus entity. Requests to improve an earned grade assigned at the end of the semester by completing additional coursework are not considered. This should be addressed immediately after the grade is posted. If twelve or more months have elapsed since the grade was issued, no grade change will be made. Additionally, once you have graduated, your record is sealed. No changes will be made to the work completed for that degree.
You may attend classes for an audit grade (AU) with the approval of the instructor. You must submit a Change to Audit Grade form to the Office of the Registrar by the schedule adjustment deadline. A grade of "AU" will appear on the transcript for courses approved for audit. The unit value of the course does not affect term, campus or overall unit totals or your grade point average.
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 these terms, did not apply toward the 15-unit maximum allowed for CR/NC grading towards your bachelor's degree.
Undergraduate students are awarded a grade of "Credit" (CR) for work equivalent to all grades which earn 2.0 or more grade points (A through C). A grade of "No Credit" (NC) is awarded for work equivalent to all grades which earn less than 2.0 grade points (C- through F).
A grade of "Credit" (CR) in graduate level courses is awarded for work equivalent to all grades which earn 3.0 or more grade points (A through B). A grade of "No Credit" (NC) is awarded for work equivalent to all grades which earn less than 3.0 grade points (B- through F).
Change in grading basis may be made through the WebPortal on or before the 10th day of instruction by 7:59 p.m.
A note of caution: The grade of "NC" is not calculated in the grade point average at San Diego State University. However, some institutions, particularly for graduate admissions, calculate an "NC" as an "F."
The symbol "I" (Incomplete authorized) indicates that a portion of required course work has not been completed. You must contact the instructor prior to finals to request approval to receive a grade of Incomplete.
Students are responsible for completing all the required work by the deadline date specified on the Incomplete Agreement.
The grade of "RD" indicates that the instructor has not yet submitted the grade for this class. You should contact the instructor to inquire about the assignment of your grade.
A grade of "RD" does not affect term, campus or overall unit totals or your grade point average. Once the grade is submitted, the "RD" is replaced with the assigned grade.
The "RP" symbol is used when assigning grades for courses that extend beyond one academic term. It indicates that work is in progress and is satisfactory to date, but assignment of a final grade must await completion of additional work. Work is to be completed within a stipulated time period not to exceed one year except for graduate thesis (799A) or dissertation (899). The unit value of the course does not affect term, campus or overall unit totals or your grade point average.
The symbol "WU" indicates that you were enrolled in the course, but failed to complete course requirements and did not officially withdraw from the course or make arrangements with the instructor for a grade of Incomplete. A grade of "WU" is computed into your grade point average as an "F."
Courses that are dropped after the university census will appear on your transcript with a grade of "W" (withdrawn). The unit value of the course does not affect term, campus or overall unit totals or your grade point average.
Review Withdrawal or Late Schedule Adjustments for more information about course withdrawal policies.