Rule V: Numerical Equivalents of Letter Grades

A. Calculating Grade Point Averages

A grade point average is necessary for determining satisfaction of degree requirements and eligibility for continuing toward the degree. To average grades, the Registrar converts final letter grades into numerical equivalents according to the following scale:

A+ 4.33
A 4.00
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B 3.00
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.00
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.00
D- .67
F 0

Grades of (O) and (S) do not receive a numerical equivalent and are not included in a student’s grade point average, but a grade of (U) receives a numerical equivalent of 0.00 and is included in a student’s grade point average. See Rule 4.B.

To calculate a grade point average, the number of credits in each offering for which a letter or U grade is entered is multiplied by the numerical equivalent for the letter grade. Then the total for such products for all offerings in which the student has received a letter or U grade is divided by the total credits for such offerings.

B. (Reserved)

C. Class Ranking

  1. Students and graduates may receive both their numerical and decile class rank. Both rankings shall be calculated at the conclusion of each semester. Procedures for disclosure of this information shall be set by the Registrar. Numerical class rank will only be disclosed to the student or graduate individually; in no event will UNH Law publish a list of students by name and class rank.

D. Honors Designation

  1. Beginning with the JD class of 2015, students with a GPA in the top 5% of the class will receive a Summa Cum Laude designation on their transcript. Students in the top 15% of the class who do not receive a Summa Cum Laude designation will receive a Magna Cum Laude designation on their transcript. Students in the top 30% of the class who do not receive a Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude designation will receive a Cum Laude designation. JD graduates in the 2007 through 2014 classes with a cumulative GPA in the top 10% of the class received a Magna Cum Laude designation on their transcript. Students in the top 30% received a Cum Laude designation. Decile rank will be determined by numerical equivalents rounded to two decimal places and will be expanded rather than reduced, if necessary, to accommodate any “ties” that result from rounding. (Amended by faculty 4/16/2015)
  2. As per Rule I (C)(4)(g), UNH Law requires a total of 85 credits to earn a JD degree.
    1. Starting with the graduating class of 2025, students who wish to remain eligible for honors designations cannot elect to take more than 3 credits of coursework S/U. S/U courses where there is no letter-grade option do not count toward these 3 credits. For example, these classes include but are not limited to Legal Residency, Legal Profession course, DWS Mini-Series, Law Review, and Moot Court
  3. Honors designations are calculated at the conclusion of the sixth semester. JD Students meeting the qualifications who graduate in the January preceding or July following graduation, will be calculated with the May class. In all cases, no recognition of these honors designation will be made on the diploma or in any other way beyond entry upon the graduate’s transcript and/or a letter from the school. Students attending two or more semesters on a part-time basis are not eligible for honors. Honors may not be applied retroactively. (Amended by faculty 11/3/2011)