What is the Passing Grade in Most Colleges?

Hey all, I was wondering what's considered a passing grade in most colleges? I know high schools tend to consider anything below a D as failing, but does this standard change in college?

In most colleges and universities, a passing grade typically starts at a D-. However, it's important to note that while this grade might technically count as "passing," it may not meet the grade requirement for major specific courses. For instance, some academic programs necessitate a grade of C- or higher in major-specific courses. Furthermore, even if a D- is technically passing, it's typically worth less than 1.0 on a 4.0 grade scale, which can pull down your grade point average (GPA).

It's also essential to keep in mind that colleges often implement academic standing policies, where you're required to maintain a certain GPA to avoid being put on academic probation. The specific GPA often depends on your school, but it's usually around a 2.0, which corresponds to a C average.

Finally, remember that if you're planning to apply to graduate or professional school, the standard for a "passing" grade may be higher since these programs usually look for students with strong GPAs. So it's important to maintain good academic standing in addition to simply "passing" your courses. If you're curious or unsure about your college’s grading policy, it’s a good idea to check within specific departments or speak to an academic advisor at your school for clarification.