What Is Credit/No Credit (Pass/Fail)?
Credit/no credit, also called pass/fail, satisfactory/unsatisfactory or pass/no pass, is an alternative to letter grading in which your result is recorded simply as whether you met the course standard. If you do, you earn credit. If not, you receive no credit, or a fail. The grade does not usually show the quality of your performance beyond meeting the threshold.
How it works
Colleges differ in how they handle the option. Some allow students to choose pass/fail for a limited number of electives, often declared by a deadline early in the term. Others grade some courses only as pass/fail, such as internships, practica and some seminars. During emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions temporarily widened the option.
A passing result generally means a grade equivalent of C or better for undergraduates, though some colleges require at least a C- or D and some graduate programs require a B. A pass earns credit toward graduation, and a fail does not.
Effect on GPA
At most colleges a pass or credit grade is excluded from the GPA, and a fail or no credit may or may not be included. This is why students use the option to explore a challenging elective without risking their GPA. Policies vary, so read the catalog.
Limits and cautions
- Requirements: major, minor, general education and prerequisite courses often must be taken for a letter grade.
- Graduate school: some programs look carefully at pass/fail courses, and may prefer letter grades in key subjects.
- Scholarships and honors: some require a minimum number of graded credits for eligibility.
- Transfer: other colleges may not accept pass grades for credit or for major requirements.
- Employers: pass/fail courses show no performance level, which is neutral to some and unhelpful to others.
- Motivation: knowing a course will not affect GPA can reduce effort, so keep your own standards.
Deciding
Talk to your advisor, check the deadline to switch and consider how the course fits into your plans. For a course outside your major, with no impact on requirements, pass/fail can be a way to try something new.
Related terms
See audit a class, grade point, quality points, grade forgiveness and transcript.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pass/fail grade affect my GPA?
Usually a pass does not affect GPA, and a fail may or may not depending on the college. Check your institution's policy before choosing.
Can I take required courses pass/fail?
Often not. Many programs require letter grades for major, prerequisite and general education courses. Check your degree requirements.
What grade counts as passing?
Usually a C or better for undergraduates, though some colleges set a D or an even higher level for graduate courses. The college policy lists the threshold.