Explanation of Grades

Uncertain as to how the Illinois grading system works? Following is a quick explanation.

Grade Point Scale

Illinois is on a four-point grading system (Student Code, 3-103) that includes both plus (+) and minus (−) grades. Grades are evaluated in terms of grade points, as displayed below.

GradeGrade Points
A+4.00
A4.00
A-3.67
B+3.33
B3.00
B-2.67
C+2.33
C2.00
C-1.67
D+1.33
D1.00
D-0.67
F0.00
ABS0.00

Grade Symbols

Following are the symbols you may see when reviewing your grades. Become familiar with these terms and their meanings.

CodeDescriptionComments
&Religious foundationGrade does not count toward the student’s GPA or earned hours.
*OtherGrade does not count toward the student’s GPA or earned hours.
ABSAbsentAbsent from the final exam without an acceptable excuse (counts as a failure; not acceptable for degree credit).
If a student is absent from a final exam and it’s clear that taking that exam couldn’t have resulted in a passing grade, a grade of F may be given instead of ABS.
AU*AuditIndicates attendance as a visitor only.
BRBy ruleBeginning in Fall 2004, tracks students who have not complied with time limitations for incomplete or deferred grades.
Grade comment of BR on SHATCKS (does not print on a transcript).
CR*Credit earnedUsed only in courses taken for credit/no credit. Instructors report the usual letter grades. Prior to Fall 2022, a grade of C- or better was automatically converted to CR. As of Fall 2022, a grade of D- or better is required to be converted to CR.
DFR*Grade temporarily deferredUsed only in thesis, research, and special-problems courses extending over more than one semester that are taken by graduate students as preparation for thesis and by undergraduate students in satisfaction of the requirements for graduation with honors and in other approved courses that extend over more than one semester.
FRF by rule“F by rule” grade code for courses prior to Fall 2004.
HHonorsHonors credit, as certified by the department offering the course
HON*HonorsUsed only for Carle Illinois College of Medicine core clerkship courses indicating completion with honors.
I*IncompleteApproved extension of time to complete the final examination or other requirements of the course.
NC*No credit earnedUsed only in courses taken under the credit/no credit grading option. Instructors report the usual letter grades. Prior to Fall 2022, a grade of D+ or lower or a grade of ABS was automatically converted to NC. As of Fall 2022, grades of F and ABS will automatically convert to NC.
NP*No PassUsed for Graduate, Law, and Undergraduate students during global health emergency. No credit is earned for courses with this grade designation.
NR*Not reportedAutomatically recorded when the instructor has not submitted the grade.
NV*Not validAutomatically recorded when the grade submitted by the instructor is not valid for the student’s grade mode.
NZ*No Pass COVIDNo Pass. Used for Graduate and Undergraduate students during global health emergency.
PD*Pass with DistinctionUsed for Law students only during global health emergency.
PP*PassUsed for Graduate, Law, and Undergraduate students during global health emergency. Credit is earned for courses with this grade designation.
PS*PassUsed for test-based credit. A minimum of C− is required.
PZ*Pass COVIDPass. A minimum grade of D- is required for credit. Used for Graduate and Undergraduate students during global health emergency.
S*SatisfactoryUsed only as final grades in graduate thesis research courses, in graduate and undergraduate courses given for zero credit, and in other courses that have been specifically approved by the head or chairperson of the department concerned, with concurrence of the college dean.
U*UnsatisfactoryUsed only as final grades in graduate thesis research courses, in graduate and undergraduate courses given for zero credit, and in other courses that have been specifically approved by the head or chairperson of the department concerned, with concurrence of the college dean.
W*Authorized withdrawalApproved withdrawal without credit.

* Not included in the calculation of a GPA.