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Understanding course grades

NIC uses a letter grade and grade point system. Your final course percentage will determine your final grade, which in turn will correspond to your final grade point for that course.

Grade scale 1


Percentage Letter grade Grade point
90-100 A+ 4.33
85-89 A 4.0
80-84 A- 3.67
76-79 B+ 3.33
72-75 B 3.0
68-71 B- 2.67
64-67 C+ 2.33
60-63 C 2.0
55-59 C- 1.67
50-54 D 1.00
0-49 F 0.00
Did not complete DNC 0.00
Aegrotat AEG n/a
Transfer TRF n/a
Transfer with D TRD n/a

Grade scale 2


Percentage Letter grade Grade point
97-100 A+ 4.33
92-96 A 4.0
89-91 A- 3.67
86-88 B+ 3.33
82-85 B 3.0
78-81 B- 2.67
74-77 C+ 2.33
70-73 C 2.0
0-69 F 1.67
Did not complete DNC 0.00
Aegrotat AEG n/a
Transfer TRF n/a
Transfer with D TRD n/a

Pass/Fail grade scale


Status Grade Grade point
Pass P n/a
Fail F n/a

For more information on NIC’s grade system, see Policy 4-14.  

Calculating your grade point average (GPA)

You can determine your GPA by following these steps:

  1. Multiply the credit value for each course by the grade point you received in that course. That will give you the weighted grade point for each course.
  2. Next, add your weighted grade points together. Do the same for your course credits.
  3. Divide your total weighted grade points by your total credits to get your GPA.

Consider this example where a student has completed three courses in a term.

Course credits Course grade Grade point Weighted grade points
3 B+ 3.33 3x3.33=9.99
2 B- 2.67 2x2.67=5.34
3 A 4.0 3x4=12
8 (total)     27.33 (total)
      GPA: 3.42

The student has earned a total of 8 credits (3 + 2 + 3) and has a total of 27.33 weighted grade points (9.99 + 5.34 + 12). Their term GPA is 3.42 (27.33 ÷ 8). 

Other Terminology

Other than letter and number grades, there are other terms and acronyms that may appear on your transcripts.  

AUD (Audit)

The student is taking the course and completes all work without receiving a grade. Audit cannot be used as a prerequisite.

CIP (Course in progress)

The student is enrolled in a course with a future end date.

CS (Continuing status)

The student is continuing studies for an indefinite period beyond the registered end date of the course section.

EXM (Exempt)

Based on documentation of successfully completed course work, exempted courses allow a student to register in a course and use the course as a prerequisite. Exempted courses do not carry course credit.

INC (Incomplete)

The student is unable to complete a course or program in the scheduled time due to demonstrated, exceptional circumstances. Incomplete is a temporary standing for a specified period with an extended end-date specified.

NGR (No grade reported)

The student has completed the course, but the grade is not yet submitted.

W (Withdrawal)

The student formally withdraws from the course by the designated withdrawal date. 

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