What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? (2024)

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

In undergraduate programs, 'D' is typically the lowest passing grade, but passing may not be enough to fulfill graduation requirements.

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? (1)

In college, the grading system is typically divided into five letter grades, A, B, C, D, and F. Each letter grade corresponds with a grade point average (GPA) and a numerical range. You’ll usually need to receive a letter grade between A and D to pass a class, often the numerical equivalent of 65 percent or higher. Receiving an F—which stands for “fail”—indicates that you did not pass the class. The cutoff to receive an F is usually 64 percent.

Let’s take a closer look at the college grading system and what grades qualify as passing.

What is a passing grade?

Many college grading systems consider a D, or 65 percent, to be the lowest passing grade.

LetterPercentage gradeGPAPass/Fail
A90-1003.7-4.0Pass
B80-892.7-3.3Pass
C70-791.7-2.3Pass
D65-691.0-1.3Pass
F0-640.0Fail

Note that different schools, programs, or classes may have different cutoff points for what they consider a passing grade. For example, some schools consider 60 percent to be the lowest passing grade, similar to common high school grading scales. Some classes may be graded on a curve, meaning your percentage grade likely won’t align with the typical letter or GPA structure. In graduate programs, it’s common for a C to be the lowest passing grade.

Additional requirements may make it important for you to score above a D to maintain your academic standing, graduate, or qualify for scholarships and financial aid.

Is a D a passing grade?

Typically, a D is considered a passing grade. However, receiving a D may indicate that you didn’t fully understand and retain all of the course material. Even if your school considers a D to be a passing grade, you may still want to consider retaking the course if you plan on taking higher-level courses in the same subject area.

Learn more: What is a Good College GPA and How Can You Raise Yours?

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? (2)

Passing grade policies

The grade you need to receive to pass a class may differ depending on:

  • General credit requirements

  • Core curriculum requirements

  • Major requirements

  • Scholarships and financial aid requirements

You’ll need to receive a certain number of college credits to earn your college degree, and you’ll only earn credit for courses which you pass. The passing cutoff point to satisfy general credit requirements is typically a D or above.

Sometimes, your school may have higher grading standards to satisfy your core curriculum or major requirements. For example, some schools may require you to get a C or higher in courses related to your major or maintain at least a 2.0 GPA across all courses to qualify for graduation.

You may have higher grading or GPA requirements if you receive scholarships or financial aid. Check the specific terms of your scholarship or financial aid package to find out.

Read more: How Many Credits Do You Need to Graduate College?

What grade do you need to pass a class?

In order to find out the grades you need to earn to pass a class, receive credit, or meet graduation requirements, search “grading policy” on your school’s website. You can also consult your academic advisor for further clarification.

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? (3)

Pass/fail classes

Some schools allow students to take courses on a pass/fail basis. If you choose this option, that means you will only receive either a grade of Pass or Fail—there is no in-between. In this case, a passing grade typically indicates that you’ve earned a C or above.

Taking a course on a pass/fail basis may count toward your total graduation requirements, such as the minimum number of credits you need to earn, but your grade will not be used in calculating your overall GPA. It may be a good idea to take a class on a pass/fail basis if you’re concerned about how you may perform and want to protect your GPA.

How to improve your grades

If you are looking for ways to improve your grades, it may be helpful to look at your study habits and consider whether there are alternate approaches that may make studying easier or more engaging.

Some research-backed good study habits that may be worth trying include:

  1. Finding a good place to study

  2. Minimizing distractions

  3. Taking breaks

  4. Spacing out your studying

  5. Setting study goals for each session

  6. Rewarding yourself

  7. Studying with a group

  8. Taking practice tests

  9. Using your own words

  10. Asking for help

  11. Taking care of yourself

To go beyond developing good study habits, learn more about how to be successful in college.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? (2024)

FAQs

What Grade Do You Need to Pass a College Class? ›

Many people wonder, “What is a passing grade in college?” Coming from high school, the grading system doesn't really change. In fact, a “D” is considered passing in both high school and college, as it's above 60%. While a passing grade may be as low as 60%, you will want to aim higher for many reasons.

Is a 60 in a college class passing? ›

Most colleges and universities generally consider a "D" (or a 60% to 69% score) as a passing grade. It's important to note that this minimum or lowest passing grade standard can significantly vary depending on the institution or major. For instance, some universities may require a "C" or better to pass.

Is 60 a pass in university? ›

State of Victoria

In the Australian city of Victoria, a passing grade starts at 50; any grade below 50 is considered a failing grade; a score of 50–59 is regarded as a pass; a score of 60–69 is a credit; 70–79 is a distinction; and 80–100 is a high distinction.

Do you need a 70 to pass a college class? ›

The cutoff between a pass and a fail differ by college. At some schools, students must earn a C-minus, or 70%, to pass. At other schools, a D counts as a passing grade. Most graduate programs require at least an 80% to pass a class.

Is a D+ passing in college? ›

Grades A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D- indicate passing grades; F indicates failure.

Is 65% a passing grade in college? ›

C is anywhere between 70% and 79% D - this is still a passing grade, and it's between 59% and 69% F - this is a failing grade.

Can you graduate with an F in college? ›

Many undergraduates fail a class in college and still go on to graduate. If you're at risk of failing, talk to your professor and meet with an academic advisor. Check your school's policies about retaking courses to remove an F from your transcript. Failing a class is a wake-up call that you may need to make changes.

What grade is 60% in college? ›

Grade conversion
Letter GradePercentageGPA
D+67–69%1.3
D63–66%1.0
D−60–62%0.7
F0–59%0.0
9 more rows

Is a 60 or 70 passing in college? ›

You'll usually need to receive a letter grade between A and D to pass a class, often the numerical equivalent of 65 percent or higher. Receiving an F—which stands for “fail”—indicates that you did not pass the class. The cutoff to receive an F is usually 64 percent.

What university grade is 60%? ›

Degree classifications

First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%) Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2.

Do colleges accept D grades? ›

You can graduate with Ds, but you cannot go to college with Ds. Colleges will give you ZERO credit for the class, just like you got an F. This is true no matter what the class is, even if it is not a required class.

What is a failing grade in college? ›

Definition of Grades

The following grades are used: A — excellent; B — good; C — fair in undergraduate courses and minimum passing in courses for graduate credit; D — minimum passing in undergraduate courses; F — failed.

What is pass fail in college? ›

A pass/fail grading system allows a student to receive either a grade of “P” (pass) or “F” (fail) for a particular class instead of the usual letter grading system. Many colleges offer this option in order to encourage students to explore new academic areas without having to worry about it affecting their transcripts.

Will one D ruin my GPA? ›

GPA Impact: One D will indeed lower your GPA, but the effect depends on the number of classes you've taken and the grades you've received in the other courses. You can calculate your updated GPA to see how significantly it has been impacted.

Is a D+ better than an F? ›

C+, C, C- indicates satisfactory performance. D+, D, D- indicates less than satisfactory performance. F indicates unsatisfactory performance (no credit: always include last date of attendance). P indicates Pass (A-, B and C will automatically be replaced by "P" when the Pass/No Pass option has been requested.

Is a C+ passing in college? ›

A grade of C or better is required to earn a Passed; a C- or below will earn a Not Passed grade. A grade of C- may satisfy many requirements (e.g., General Education, elective) but a Not Passed grade will not earn any credit or satisfy requirements.

Is a 60 an F? ›

C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = below 60%

What grade is 60 percent in college? ›

Grade Scale
A+= / >100%
C= / >65%
C-= / >60%
D+= / >55%
D= / >50%
10 more rows

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