A passing grade at Pasadena City College is typically defined as a grade of C or better on the standard grading scale.
Understanding Passing Grades at PCC
At Pasadena City College (PCC), understanding what constitutes a passing grade is essential for students aiming to meet academic requirements for course credit, transfer, or graduation. While specific program or course policies may have additional stipulations, the general benchmark for satisfactory academic achievement is a grade of C or higher.
The "Pass" (P) Grade
PCC offers a "Pass/No Pass" grading option for certain courses, where a "P" grade signifies successful completion. A grade of P (pass) represents satisfactory achievement, meaning the student's performance in the course would have been equivalent to a C or better if it had been graded on the traditional letter scale.
- The "P" grade indicates that the student has met all course objectives and requirements to a satisfactory level.
- Unlike letter grades (A, B, C, D, F), the "P" grade does not contribute to a student's Grade Point Average (GPA).
- Courses completed with a "P" grade count towards the total units required for graduation and are generally accepted for transfer, provided they align with the receiving institution's policies.
Standard Academic Grading Scale
To provide context for the "C or better" standard, here is a general overview of the traditional letter grading scale used at Pasadena City College:
| Grade | Description | Academic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| A | Excellent | Strong passing grade |
| B | Good | Solid passing grade |
| C | Satisfactory | Minimum passing grade |
| D | Barely Passing / Poor | Often not sufficient for major, transfer, or prerequisite courses |
| F | Failing | No credit earned |
For most academic purposes, including fulfilling prerequisites and transfer requirements, a grade of "C" or better is generally necessary to ensure the course counts as satisfactorily completed. While a "D" might technically be considered a passing grade in some limited scenarios, it typically does not meet the "satisfactory achievement" standard often required for progression or specific program completion at PCC.
For the most accurate and detailed information regarding grading policies, specific course requirements, and Pass/No Pass options, students should consult the official Pasadena City College resources.
