If a student’s cumulative UB GPA is below 2.000, they have a quality point deficit (QPD). The QPD is the measure of what is needed to raise this GPA to 2.000.
Quality points, also called grade points, are a measure of a student’s academic performance in a course. Quality points are based on the grade earned in each course and are used in the calculation of the grade point average (GPA).
Having more quality points is good because it shows a student is doing well. But if a student has a quality point deficit (QPD), it means they haven't earned enough quality points because of low grades, which could hurt their academic standing.
The following table shows how letter grades can affect a quality points deficit:
| Grade | Number of Credits | Impact on QPD |
|---|---|---|
| “A” | 3 | 6 points removed from the deficit |
| “B” | 3 | 3 points removed from the deficit |
| “C” | 3 | No impact |
| “D” | 3 | 3 points added to the deficit |
| “F” | 3 | 6 points added to the deficit |
Not every student will have a QPD. Only students with a cumulative UB GPA below 2.000 will have a QPD. The QPD represents the amount of effort needed to raise the GPA to a 2.000.
If a student has a QPD, they can find it on their unofficial transcript.
Calculate a QPD using the following formula:
Quality Point Deficit = (Total Units Taken x 2) – Total Grade Points
Total Units Taken and Total Grade Points are both available in HUB Student Center.
Using the formula, QPD = (Total Units Taken x 2) – Total Grade Points, calculate the QPD by doing the following:
In this case, the quality point deficit (QPD) is 11.99, which means the student needs 11.99 quality points to reach a 2.000 GPA.
Note: this is an example using sample data. Each student’s QPD will vary based on their units taken and total grade points.
If a student has a QPD, their goal should be to lower it as much as possible. Once the QPD is equal to or less than zero, the student no longer has a QPD.
Earning higher grades in the future can help eliminate a quality point deficit. Please see the table on this page to understand how grades impact the QPD, or ask an advisor.
Repeating courses can be a faster way to reduce and eliminate a QPD. Students should ask their academic advisor if repeating courses is the best option for them.
For more information about grades, including definitions of grades and related policies, please view: