⚠️ Important: The repeat policy described on this page reflects the new system-wide aligned UH course repeat policy that will take effect beginning Fall 2026. This policy is not retroactive and will apply only to courses taken from Fall 2026 onward. If you repeated a course before Fall 2026, your campus’s previous repeat policy still applies.
Repeating Courses
Here is a quick overview of what to know before repeating a course, including how repeat attempts, GPA, and course credit work. This page reflects the new system-wide aligned repeat policy, which will go into effect starting with the Fall 2026 semester. To see the current policy for repeating courses, please follow the link below. For questions about your institution’s current repeat policy, please speak with an advisor.
Quick answer: Students may generally repeat a course up to 3 total attempts at the same campus. All grades remain on the transcript, but within the first three attempts only the highest grade is used in GPA calculation.
📌 The Basics
- You can repeat a course up to 3 total attempts at the same campus.
- All grades remain on your transcript permanently.
- Only the highest grade from your first 3 attempts counts toward your GPA.
- You only earn credit once for a non-repeatable course, no matter how many times you take it.
- This policy may allow you to repeat a course to improve any letter grade, even a B-.
📊 How GPA Works
- Your GPA uses the highest grade from attempts 1 to 3.
- Example: if your grades were B-, B+, and D, the B+ would be used in your GPA.
- If you take the course a 4th time or more, the GPA for that course becomes an average of your best grade from attempts 1 to 3 and the new grade or grades.
- To replace a grade, you must repeat the course in the same grading mode. A Credit/No Credit retake will not replace a letter grade.
🏫 Same Campus Rule
- Grade replacement only applies when you repeat the course at the same campus where you originally took it.
- Courses taken at another UH campus may still count toward degree requirements.
- However, they do not replace the original grade or change your campus GPA.
- Each UH campus calculates its own GPA independently.
🔁 Repeatable vs Non-Repeatable Courses
- Some courses are repeatable, meaning you can take them multiple times and earn additional credit.
- Example: a 3-credit course repeatable twice allows up to 9 total credits.
- For repeatable courses, grade replacement usually does not begin until you exceed the catalog repeat limit.
- For non-repeatable courses, repeating the course will not earn additional credits but may improve GPA within the first three attempts.
⚠️ Other Important Exceptions
- Withdrawals (W) do not count as attempts.
- Some programs, such as Nursing or Dental Hygiene, may have stricter repeat rules.
- Writing Intensive (WI) courses may be repeated for a better grade but only count toward one WI requirement.
🧭 Before You Repeat a Class
- Financial aid: Repeating courses may affect your eligibility.
- Major requirements: Your program may have additional rules.
- Timing: Repeating a course could affect your graduation timeline or future course registration.
- Talk with an advisor: An advisor can help you decide whether repeating a course is the best option.
✅ Before You Enroll Again
Before repeating a course, it helps to confirm how the repeat will affect your GPA, degree progress, and eligibility for future enrollment.
Check Financial Aid
Repeating a course may affect aid eligibility, enrollment requirements, or satisfactory academic progress.
Review Major Rules
Some colleges, programs, or majors may have stricter policies about repeats, grades, or course attempts.
Talk with an Advisor
An advisor can help you decide whether repeating the class is the best choice for your academic goals.
Important: Policies can vary by campus, program, and course type. Always confirm details with your academic advisor and your campus catalog before repeating a class.