Students may view their semester grades by accessing MyNIU.
The University uses the four point grading system. Your grade point average (GPA) is computed on a 4.0 scale and includes only NIU courses for which an A, B, C, D, and F are given. (also includes "U" for graduate level)
Credit is recorded in semester hours. Each semester hour represents one fifty-minute period per week for a fifteen week semester.
Undergraduate Level
| Grade | Meaning | Points Per Hour |
| A | Outstanding | 4 |
| B | Above Satisfactory | 3 |
| C | Satisfactory | 2 |
| D | Marginally Satisfactory | 1 |
| F | Unsatisfactory | 0 |
The following marking symbols may also be used:
| Symbol | Meaning |
| I | Incomplete |
| W | Withdrawal passing |
| S | Satisfactory |
| U | Unsatisfactory |
| O | Audit; no grade or credit |
| OW | Audit requirements not completed |
| CR | Credit by proficiency exam |
Graduate Level
| Grade | Meaning | Points Per Hour |
| A | Superior | 4 |
| B | Satisfactory | 3 |
| C | Marginal | 2 |
| S | Satisfactory for courses graded S/U |
- |
| D | Deficient | 1 |
| F | Seriously Deficient | 0 |
| U | Unsatisfactory for courses graded S/U |
0 |
The following marking symbols may also be used:
| Symbol | Meaning |
| I | Temporary incomplete |
| IN | Permanent incomplete |
| WP | Passing at time of withdrawal |
| WF | Failing at time of withdrawal |
| O | Audit; no grade and no credit |
| OW | Unsatisfactory Audit; requirements not completed |
The grade point average system is used to determine academic standing and to award honors. To compute the GPA, the total number of point hours earned is divided by the total number of GPA hours attempted at NIU (those for which grades of A, B, C, D or F are recorded). (also includes "U" for graduate level)
To predict a future GPA, please refer to the GPA calculator.
For additional academic information, please refer to the undergraduate or graduate catalogs. Prospective students should contact their appropriate admissions office.
Additional questions regarding grades may be directed to the Office of Registration and Record at (815) 753-0681.