NU Grading System 2025 – National University, Manila
National University (NU) Manila follows the traditional 1.00 to 5.00 grading scale widely used in Philippine universities. The system evaluates academic performance based on subject units, exam results, and class standing. A lower numerical grade indicates higher performance.
Maintaining a strong GWA at NU is important for scholarships, Dean’s List recognition, and retention in some degree programs, and tools like the NU GWA calculator can help students keep track of their academic standing.
What Is the NU Grading System?
The National University grading system is an academic assessment framework used to measure student performance. It employs a combination of letter grades, percentages, and GPA (Grade Point Average) to reflect achievement levels across courses. This grading structure allows institutions to maintain consistency while encouraging students to excel.
Key components include:
- Letter Grades (A-F): Letter grades represent performance tiers, from high achievement to areas requiring improvement.
- Percentage Ranges: Each letter grade corresponds to a percentage range for precise evaluation.
- Grade Point Average (GPA): A numerical value assigned to grades that helps calculate overall academic standing.
This system ensures fairness and transparency while providing students with a clear understanding of their academic journey, which becomes even clearer in a PUP vs NU grading comparison.
NU Official Grading Scale
| Grade | Percentage Equivalent | Description | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 97–100% | Excellent | Highest honor level |
| 1.25 | 94–96% | Very Good | Consistently high standing |
| 1.50 | 91–93% | Good | Above average |
| 1.75 | 88–90% | Fairly Good | Acceptable performance |
| 2.00 | 85–87% | Satisfactory | Meets requirements |
| 2.25 | 82–84% | Fair | Borderline passing |
| 2.50 | 79–81% | Passable | Just above minimum |
| 2.75 | 76–78% | Marginal Pass | Needs improvement |
| 3.00 | 75% | Passing | Minimum acceptable grade |
| 5.00 | Below 75% | Failed | Must retake subject |
| INC | — | Incomplete | To be completed within term |
| DRP | — | Dropped | Subject withdra |
Example of GWA Computation (NU Student)
Let’s compute the GWA of a 2nd-year NU student taking 5 subjects:
| Subject | Grade | Units | Weighted Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math 201 | 1.75 | 3 | 5.25 |
| English 202 | 2.00 | 3 | 6.00 |
| Science 203 | 1.50 | 4 | 6.00 |
| Filipino 204 | 2.25 | 2 | 4.50 |
| History 205 | 1.75 | 3 | 5.25 |
Total Units = 15
Total Weighted Points = 27.00
GWA = 27.00 ÷ 15 = 1.80
This student’s GWA = 1.80, which qualifies for the Dean’s List at NU.
NU Honors Policy
-
President’s List → GWA of 1.25 or better, no grade below 2.00.
-
Dean’s List → GWA of 1.75 or better, no grade below 2.25.
-
Retention Requirement → Some programs (Engineering, Nursing, IT) require students to maintain 2.50 GWA or better to avoid probation.
Why the National University Grading System Matters
The grading system serves as more than just a tool for evaluation. It motivates students, provides actionable feedback, and builds trust in academic institutions by allowing them to check cumulative results effectively.
Benefits for Students:
- Accountability: Helps students understand where they excel and where they can improve.
- Motivation: Encourages consistent effort and achievement.
- Opportunities for Recognition: High performance can lead to scholarships, awards, and other accolades.
Benefits for Educators:
- Standardization: Ensures consistency in grading across courses.
- Effective Feedback: Helps instructors guide students with clear performance metrics.
- Data-Driven Insights: Provides actionable data to tailor teaching methods.
The NU grading system is more than a method of assigning grades it’s a framework that fosters academic growth, transparency, and fairness. By providing a clear structure for evaluation, it empowers students to take ownership of their learning while enabling educators to support their progress effectively. Whether students aim for scholarships, career opportunities, or personal growth, this system provides the tools they need to succeed.
At NU, the grading system secures a student’s academic records, while official identification like birth certificates is equally important for enrollment and graduation. To obtain these documents, students need to schedule an appointment with PSA.
How does the NU grading system handle failing grades?
Students receiving an F (below 60%) may need to retake the course or consult with academic advisors to meet graduation requirements.
Do all courses have the same weight in GPA calculations?
No, some courses especially advanced or honors classes may carry additional weight, contributing more significantly to the overall GPA.
Can students appeal their grades?
Yes, students can request grade reviews through an established appeals process if they believe there’s been an error or unfair assessment.
Does attendance affect grades?
While attendance policies vary, consistent participation often has a positive impact on grades and overall performance.
What are the benefits of maintaining a high GPA?
A strong GPA can unlock opportunities such as scholarships, internships, and graduate program admissions. It also signals to employers and academic institutions that a student is dedicated and capable.
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