Earning good grades in college is important for maintaining academic standing and eligibility for financial aid. However, sometimes students struggle and receive failing marks on assignments or in courses. So what is considered a failing grade in college? The answer depends on the institution and scoring system used.
Traditional U.S. College Grading System
Most colleges and universities in the United States use a traditional letter grading system with the following marks:
- A – Excellent
- B – Good
- C – Satisfactory
- D – Poor
- F – Failing
Grades are usually based on a 0-100 percentage scale, with each letter grade representing a range of percentages:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
| A | 90-100% |
| B | 80-89% |
| C | 70-79% |
| D | 60-69% |
| F | 0-59% |
So in the traditional letter grade system, any percentage below 60% is considered failing. The F grade indicates that students did not meet the minimum requirements to pass the course.
Grade Point Averages
In addition to letter grades for individual assignments and courses, colleges also calculate students’ term and cumulative grade point averages (GPAs). Each letter grade is assigned a point value:
- A = 4.0 points
- B = 3.0 points
- C = 2.0 points
- D = 1.0 point
- F = 0.0 points
The GPA is calculated by multiplying the point value by credit hours for each course, then dividing the total points by total credit hours. A GPA below 2.0 is generally considered unsatisfactory academic performance in U.S. colleges.
Pass/Fail Grading
Some courses use pass/fail grading where students receive either a P (pass) or F (fail) rather than letter grades. Policies vary between colleges, but usually a failing mark in a pass/fail course is any grade below 60% or 70%. Pass/fail policies also differ on whether a pass grade counts toward GPA. Some colleges exclude pass/fail marks from GPA calculations.
Audit Grading
Students can also audit certain courses, which means they attend the class but do not receive a formal grade. If students do not meet the requirements set by the instructor, they may receive a W (withdrawal). This has no impact on GPA but shows on the transcript that the student did not complete the audited course.
How Failing Grades Affect Academic Status
Receiving failing marks, either an F letter grade or grades that lead to a GPA below 2.0, can lead to academic probation or dismissal if students consistently underperform. The specific policies depend on the college but may include:
- Academic warning if GPA drops below 2.0 for one term
- Academic probation if cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 after academic warning term
- Restricted course enrollment, reduced course load, mandated advising, or grade contracts to help bring up grades while on probation
- Academic suspension if GPA not improved after probationary period
- Permanent dismissal after multiple academic suspensions
These policies are intended to give students who struggle multiple opportunities to improve performance. However, students who continue to receive failing grades may eventually be dismissed from the college.
Retaking Courses to Replace Failing Grades
Most colleges allow students to retake courses in order to try to improve a failing or unsatisfactory initial grade. After retaking a course, the new grade usually replaces the original grade in calculating GPA. However, the original F may still appear on the transcript. Policies for retaking courses and grade substitution vary between institutions.
Appealing Grades
Students who believe a grade was assigned unfairly do have the option to appeal. Reasons to appeal could include clerical error, discrimination, or lack of adherence to course policies. The appeals process begins with talking to the course instructor, then filing a formal appeal with the department and potentially higher levels of administration. However, appeals are not always successful, so receiving a failing grade can impact a student’s academic career despite disputes over grading.
When Failing Grades Are Permanent
Failing grades remain permanently on college transcripts if students do not retake the course or successfully appeal the grade. Even if retaken, the original failing grade may still appear on the transcript. Permanent failing grades on a transcript can harm a student’s academic standing and financial aid eligibility while enrolled. They may also damage chances of admission to graduate programs or career prospects after graduation.
Avoiding Failing Grades
To avoid failing grades, students should:
- Attend every class and complete all required assignments
- Stay organized and keep up with course schedules and deadlines
- Study adequately for quizzes, exams, and projects
- Seek help from professors and teaching assistants if struggling with course concepts
- Meet with academic advisors to discuss progress and performance
- Consider tutoring or study groups for difficult courses
- Take advantage of office hours and ask questions when concepts are unclear
- Maintain a healthy school-life balance and find positive stress relief outlets like exercise
- Consider reducing course load if feeling overwhelmed or unable to keep up
Putting in consistent effort and staying actively engaged in learning is the best way for students to avoid the risk of failing grades.
When Failing Grades Happen
Even diligent students may occasionally struggle with certain courses or have a bad academic period. If failing grades do occur:
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss options and come up with a plan to get back on track
- Consider retaking courses failed as soon as possible to replace grades
- Look into academic support resources like tutoring to improve performance
- If needed, reduce course load or take a break to refresh and regain focus
- Take care of physical and mental health needs to be at your best academically
- Stay motivated and believe in your ability to succeed despite setbacks
With effort and perseverance, one or two failing grades does not have to negatively impact your college goals and dreams.
Conclusion
In summary, a failing grade in college is generally considered any grade below 60% or 70% on assignments and exams, a letter grade of F, or a GPA below 2.0. Failing grades can lead to academic probation or dismissal if students consistently underperform. While challenging, one or two failing marks do not have to derail college success. Seeking help, retaking courses, and persevering can get students back on track to meet their academic goals.