Credit System in USA’s Education For Indians
If you are an Indian student preparing to study in the USA, one of the first things that will confuse you is the credit system.
Back home, you were used to marks, percentages, and CGPA out of 10. In the USA, everything works differently. Understanding it early can save you from costly mistakes. Mistakes like registering for the wrong number of classes or accidentally violating your F1 visa requirements.
This guide breaks down exactly how the US credit system works, how GPA is calculated, what your I-20 means, and how it all connects to your tuition costs in the simplest way possible.
The Difference Between the Indian & The US Grading System.
In India, when a student enrolls and takes classes for their undergraduate or master’s degree, their progress and completion of classes are calculated according to Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), which is out of 10.
While in the US, it’s called Grade Point Average or GPA and it is calculated out of 4. When you start your degree in the US in the fall, spring, or summer semester, you register for 12 credit hours worth of classes or more courses (subjects) for undergrad.
The student needs 120 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and for a master’s, the student requires 9 or more credit hours to be a full-time student, and 30 to 32 credit hours to graduate. An international student is required to be a full-time student as a requirement for an F1 visa.
How is the Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculated?
These credits influence your GPA. GPA is recorded after every semester and at the the year. The GPA recorded after every semester is called the comprehensive (semester) GPA recorded yearly is called the Combined GPA. If you have straight A’s in all your classes, you will be awarded a 4.0 GPA. In order to calculate your GPA, for 3 or 4-credit-hour classes, multiply by the points earned from the class.
- Math (3 credits)- Earned A (4)- 4*3= 12 points
- English ( 3 credits)- Earned B (3)= 9 points
- Economics (3 credits)- Earned B (3)= 9 points
- Physics (3 credits)- Earned C (2)= 6 points
- Geology (4 credits)- Earned B (3)= 12
- Add all points- 48 points
- Number of hours taken in the semester 16
- So 48/16= 3.0 GPA
Cost Per Credit Hour & I-20
When the student gets accepted into the university, the international services of the university send the student a document. This document, called the I-20, which basically gives you insight into their course of study, the level of study, when the program starts, and what the tuition expense is.
I-20 specifies either 9 months or 12 months, depending on the university-to-university (always mentioned near student funding). 9 months include 2 semesters- fall and spring.
While 12 months include 3 semesters- Fall, Spring, and Summer. On the I-20, the tuition fee mentioned includes living expenses, miscellaneous expenses, and health insurance.
So even if the calculation per credit comes out different, I-20 will always have a higher price.
The calculation:
18 credits will cost $15,990 – this is provided on the I-20 under the Tuition and Fees section.
Cost per credit = 15,9920 / 18 = $888
Total Cost for 30 Credits = $888 x 30 = $26,650.
What Happens If Your GPA Falls Below 3.0?
US universities have their own academic performance requirements, which may vary by institution and program. If a student’s GPA falls below the university’s required standard, they may be placed on academic probation and asked to improve their performance within a specific period.
In some cases, a low GPA may affect scholarship eligibility, assistantships, or continued enrollment in certain programs. Students should regularly review their university’s academic policies and seek academic support if they are struggling to maintain the required standards.
Can Indian Students Transfer Credits to a US University?
Some US universities accept transfer credits from Indian institutions, but this depends on the university’s evaluation policy. Credits are assessed by the admissions office or credential evaluation agencies. It is always advisable to check with your specific university before assuming credit transfers.
