The U.S. Grading Scale Explained: A GPA Guide for International Students
If you’re new to the U.S. education system, you may find the grading system confusing at first. While some countries use percentages or verbal assessments, most U.S. universities rely on a letter-grade system that’s tied to your GPA, your grade-point average.
Understanding how grades are calculated and what counts as a strong GPA can help you stay on track academically and make sense of your transcripts when applying to jobs, internships or graduate programs.
What is the U.S. grading scale?
The U.S. grading system uses letter grades that typically range from A to F. Each letter corresponds to a number value that contributes to your GPA.
Here is a common scale used by U.S. universities:
|
Letter grade |
Percentage range |
GPA value |
|
A |
90 to 100% |
4.0 |
|
A− |
87 to 89% |
3.7 |
|
B+ |
83 to 86% |
3.3 |
|
B |
80 to 82% |
3.0 |
|
B− |
77 to 79% |
2.7 |
|
C+ |
73 to 76% |
2.3 |
|
C |
70 to 72% |
2.0 |
|
D |
60 to 69% |
1.0 |
|
F |
Below 60% |
0.0 |
Some schools use pluses and minuses, while others round to whole letters. Graduate programs may require higher minimum grades to stay in good standing.
What is a GPA and how is it calculated?
GPA stands for grade-point average. It represents your average performance across all your courses. It’s calculated on a 4.0 scale, with each letter grade contributing a numerical value.
To calculate your GPA:
- Convert each course grade to a GPA value.
- Multiply that value by the number of credit hours for the course.
- Add up all the grade points.
- Divide by the total number of credit hours.
For example:
- A three-credit class with an A (4.0) = 12 grade points
- A four-credit class with a B (3.0) = 12 grade points
- Total grade points = 24
- Total credit hours = 7
- GPA = 24 ÷ 7 = 3.43
Some universities also report a cumulative GPA (your overall GPA across all semesters) and a major GPA (just your courses in your academic field).
What GPA is considered “good” in the U.S.?
This depends on the school and program, but here are some general guidelines:
- 3.7 to 4.0 = excellent
- 3.0 to 3.6 = good
- 2.0 to 2.9 = passing, but below average
- Below 2.0 = at risk of academic probation
Many scholarships, internships and postgraduate programs require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If your GPA drops too low, your school may limit your course load or require academic support. Depending on your school and program, your GPA can also impact eligibility for education scholarships.
Can international grades be converted to a U.S. GPA?
Yes, but it’s not a perfect match. If you’re applying to a U.S. university, admissions officers or credential evaluation services will often review your transcripts and estimate a U.S. GPA based on your home country’s grading system.
There is no universal formula, so each school may evaluate your record differently. If you are unsure how your grades compare, you can request a credential evaluation from services like:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- International Education Research Foundation (IERF)
These evaluations help translate your academic record into a format that U.S. schools and employers can understand.
How to keep your GPA strong as an international student
Adjusting to a new grading system takes time, especially if English is not your first language. Here are a few ways to stay on track:
- Attend all your classes and participate actively.
- Get familiar with how professors weigh grades (some emphasize exams, others use essays or group work).
- Use campus tutoring or academic support centers.
- Meet with your academic advisor regularly.
- Ask for feedback early so you can improve before finals.
Your GPA is just one part of your academic journey while studying overseas, but maintaining a solid average will give you more options in the future.
MPOWER Financing helps students stay focused on academics
Managing your GPA can be easier when you’re not worrying about how to pay for school. MPOWER Financing helps international students with getting a student loan that can cover tuition and living costs with no cosigner and no collateral. An MPOWER international student loan can help you:
- Pay for school without relying on unauthorized work
- Cover living expenses so you can focus on classes
- Avoid GPA drops due to financial stress or overwork
- Get peace of mind with fixed interest rates and transparent terms
With funding in place, you can stay focused on your studies and protect your GPA.
Know the numbers, stay in control
Understanding how the U.S. grading system works can help you set realistic goals, improve your academic performance and avoid surprises when checking your transcript.
Whether you’re aiming for graduate school, an internship or a job after graduation, your GPA matters, and staying informed is the first step.
