Numeric GPA Reference — 4.0 Scale
1.5 GPA — between D+ and C−,
academic probation risk.
A 1.5 GPA sits midway between D+ (1.3) and C− (1.7) on the 4.0 scale — below every academic threshold and in active probation risk range. Enter your GPA below to see its letter grade and what it means.
Adjacent GPA values and grade equivalents
What it means
1.5 GPA on the
US 4.0 Scale
A 1.5 GPA on the 4.0 scale corresponds to D+/C− grade performance — equivalent to D+/C− quality points per credit hour. Between D+ (1.3) and C− (1.7) — midpoint of the academic danger zone; SAP and probation risk both active.
GPA is calculated as: Quality Points (grade pts × credits) divided by total credits. On the 4.0 scale, D+/C− earns approximately 1.5 quality points per credit. A 3-credit course at D+/C− adds ~4.5 quality points to your total.
Scale context
1.5 GPA in context
| GPA | Letter Grade | Common Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | A / A+ | Maximum; summa cum laude |
| 3.7 | A− | Magna cum laude (many schools) |
| 3.5 | B+/A− | Cum laude; Dean's List; scholarships |
| 3.0 | B | Graduate school floor; scholarship renewal |
| 2.0 | C | Academic standing floor; probation line |
| 1.5 | D+/C− | This page |
Thresholds vary by institution. Always check your school's official academic policies.
Common questions
1.5 GPA — FAQ
What letter grade is a 1.5 GPA?
A 1.5 GPA falls between D+ (1.3 pts) and C− (1.7 pts) on the 4.0 scale — no single letter grade maps exactly to 1.5. It indicates a mix of D+ and C− grades, or equivalent performance.
Is a 1.5 GPA in academic probation?
At most US institutions, yes — a cumulative GPA below 2.0 triggers academic probation. A 1.5 GPA is well below the 2.0 standing floor.
What percentage is a 1.5 GPA?
Approximately 65–72% on a 100-point scale, depending on the mix of D+ and C− grades. Exact percentage ranges vary by institution.
Can I transfer with a 1.5 GPA?
Virtually no four-year institutions accept transfers with a 1.5 GPA. Most transfer programs require at minimum a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and competitive programs require 3.0 or higher.
How long does it take to raise a 1.5 GPA to 2.0?
With all A grades going forward, the number of credits needed depends on your current total credits. Fewer existing credits means faster recovery. A GPA calculator can show you the exact path.
Can you recover from a 1.5 GPA?
Yes, though it is a slow process. A 1.5 GPA is well below the 2.0 minimum most universities require for good academic standing. Because existing low grades weigh heavily in the cumulative average, recovery is gradual — with 60 credits at 1.5, earning straight A's for one semester (15 credits) brings you to approximately 1.8. Grade replacement policies (retaking courses), academic fresh-start programs, or a leave of absence to address underlying issues are all worth discussing with your academic advisor.
Sources
Data and
references
US GPA methodology documented by NCES IPEDS. Institutional GPA data via College Scorecard (ED.gov). Grade-point values per UC Davis Registrar and MIT Registrar.
Related reading: What GPA Puts You on Academic Probation? · How to Raise Your GPA