Key Takeaways
- A failed class (<64%) can affect your GPA, graduation plans, financial aid, and potential transfer credits.
- If you are failing or have failed a college class you should seek academic help, evaluate why you failed, decide if you will retake the class, or possibly consider a different major.
- You can prevent failure in the future by getting tutoring help, developing new study habits, creating a study schedule, taking a lighter workload, always showing up to class, and speaking with a counselor.
In general, 65% or higher is considered a passing grade in college.
While failing a college class might feel like the end of the world, there’s good news: It’s not! In fact, it happens to more students than you might think. And while it’s not great news, it doesn’t mean it has to define your future.
Whether you have just failed a class or you’re on the verge of failing, there may be many questions swirling around in your head: How will this affect my GPA? What will happen if I fail this class? How can I fix this? Start by taking a deep breath and shifting your mindset—this is an opportunity to learn, grow, and adjust your academic approach. In this guide, we’ll explore what happens when you fail a class, how it can affect your GPA, and what steps you can take to bounce back.
What Does Failing a Class Mean?
Receiving a final grade of 64% or lower is typically considered failing. On the GPA scale, this means anything below a 1.0. In most graduate programs, a D or below is considered a failing grade. Failed classes do count towards your GPA but don’t count towards your degree, and you’ll still have to pay for the class.
What Happens if You Fail a Class in College: 4 Consequences
So, what happens if you fail a class in college? Whether you are struggling in a class—or have already failed one—it can feel quite overwhelming. But before we get into what may happen to you, let’s clear one thing up: it’s not the end of your college journey. Some of these consequences might apply to you, and some might not—it all depends on your situation. However, knowing the possible outcomes and how to get back on your feet is the best way to keep moving forward.
Consequence #1: Your GPA Is Impacted
If you fail a class, it is calculated into your GPA as a 0.0. And yes, even just one failed class can significantly lower your overall GPA. For example, let’s say you’ve taken four classes, each worth 3 credits. If you earn A’s (4.0) in three of those classes but fail one (0.0), your GPA drops from a 4.0 to a 3.0. A low GPA can impact your chances for future scholarships and could be a potential red flag for graduate schools or future employers.
Consequence #2: Your Graduation Plans Get Delayed
If you fail a general education course or a class required for your major, you’ll most likely need to retake it. Retaking a course could then delay other courses, creating a domino effect that pushes back your graduation date. This is why it’s so important to work closely with your academic advisor—so that even if setbacks happen, you can stay as close to your original timeline as possible.
Consequence #3: You Have Financial Aid Implications
To stay eligible for financial aid programs such as scholarships and grants, you’ll need to maintain a minimum GPA. If your GPA falls below the requirement, you could potentially lose that funding for your education. If you are at risk of failing, stay in touch with your financial aid office to discuss next steps.
Consequence #4: Your Failure Affects Your Transfer Credits
What happens if you fail a college class and want to transfer is that the failed class will not count toward your transferrable credits. Most schools require you to have earned a “C” or better in order to transfer the course credit. Make sure you understand the transfer policies of the school you are looking to transfer to.
What to Do if You’re Failing or Have Failed
Knowing the consequences of what could happen with your education can help you proactively address the situation. Failing a class can take a toll on mental health, whether it’s feelings of distress, anxiety, or even depression. But here is your reminder to take a deep breath and try not to panic—what’s done is done, and now you can take these next steps to help you move forward.
If it just so happens that you fail or are failing a college class, here is your path back to success.
1. Seek Academic Help
Start by reaching out to your professor during office hours. If you haven’t received a final failing grade yet, you may be able to complete additional assignments or extra credit to pull your grade up. If you have failed, they may have feedback on how you can do better if you retake the class. Depending on your school’s policies, you might also be eligible for an “incomplete” rather than a “fail.”
2. Evaluate Why You Failed
It happens: sometimes you put too much on your plate. Spend time reflecting on your semester and why you might have failed this specific class. Maybe you had a busy class schedule and couldn’t manage your workload well. Perhaps you had poor time management and prioritized social events over studying. Maybe you just lacked interest in the class. Whatever the case, it’s important to acknowledge it so that you can manage your time and workload in a more productive way moving forward.
3. Decide Whether To Retake the Class
Most of the time, you’ll have the option to retake the class and improve your GPA. However, before you retake the class, make sure you understand your university’s policies. While some colleges will replace the failing grade with a new one, others will average both grades. Talk it over with your academic advisor and make the best choice for you.
4. Consider a Different Major
In some cases, failing a class might be a wake-up call that you need to switch majors. This isn’t always an easy decision, but it might be the right one if you’re constantly struggling with the required courses or just can’t see yourself loving a career in this field. For example, if you’re in pre-med but dread every biology class, it might be time to explore new options. This isn’t a bad thing—it just means you are moving toward a future you will be excited about.
Preventing Failure in the Future
Robert Kiyosaki once said, “Failure is part of the process of success.” You don’t have to let failing a class set you back from succeeding. Here are some tips to help you prevent failing in the future:
- Head to your school’s student center—they typically offer free tutoring help.
- Get creative with your studying by using different techniques like color-coded notes, flashcards, or mind-mapping.
- Manage your time better by creating a detailed schedule that includes all regular activities (i.e., class, work, fitness, friends) and specified times for studying.
- Talk with your academic advisor to evaluate if taking a lighter workload could help you focus better.
- Commit to always showing up to class (unless there is an emergency!).
- De-stress by setting up appointments with a counselor, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
The Bright Side of Failure
Remember this: Failing a class doesn’t define you. It’s never easy, but it is a chance to reflect, develop better habits, and grow. While there are consequences to failing a class, know that you can still recover academically and set yourself up for success. Take it one step at a time and look on the bright side—maybe this experience will help you become a more disciplined student, realize your current major isn’t the right fit, or see that you’ve been juggling too much at once. Don’t let it defeat you. Focus on what’s next, take action, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this!
Everyone faces setbacks, but the right environment can make all the difference. College Raptor’s College Match tool can help you find a school that aligns with your goals, learning style, and needs—setting you up for success from the start.
