Effective Fall 2025, the University of Pittsburgh enforces a limit on the number of times a student may attempt any given course. The questions below address the most common student concerns about the policy. If your situation is not covered here, contact the Office of the University Registrar.
| Before publishing: Exception and petition process details — including who approves, how to submit, and documentation required — are pending sign-off. Placeholder text is marked in the relevant answers below. |
ABOUT THE POLICY
- What is the course repeat policy?
Effective Fall 2025, University of Pittsburgh students may attempt any course a maximum of three times total. If you have already attempted a course three times, you will not be able to enroll in that course again without an approved petition exception.
- When does this policy take effect?
The policy took effect Fall 2025. Prior attempts are counted regardless of when they occurred. If you attempted a course three times before Fall 2025, you will be blocked from a fourth attempt going forward.
- Does this apply to all Pitt Campuses?
Yes. The policy applies to all University of Pittsburgh campuses, including Pittsburgh, Bradford, Greensburg, and Johnstown. Attempts at any Pitt campus count toward your total.
WHAT COUNTS AS AN ATTEMPT
- I withdrew from a course. Does that count?
Yes. A withdrawal (W grade) counts as an attempt under the policy. If you enrolled and then withdrew, that counts toward your three-attempt maximum.
- I audited the course. Does that count?
No. An audit (N grade) does not count as an attempt.
- I resigned from the university mid-semester. Does that count?
No. A Resignation (R grade) does not count as an attempt. If you received an R grade because you resigned from the university, that enrollment is not counted toward your three-attempt maximum.
- I received an incomplete. Does that count?
Yes. An Incomplete (I grade) or Unfinished (G grade) counts as an attempt, even if it has not yet lapsed to a final grade.
- I was enrolled through a study abroad or exchange program. Does that count?
Enrollments through official exchange or visiting student programs use a different grading basis and generally do not count toward your repeat limit. Contact the Office of the University Registrar if you have a question about a specific enrollment.
- I took an equivalent course at another Pitt campus or another institution. Does that count?
Attempts at any University of Pittsburgh campus count toward your total. Transfer credits may count toward your attempt total in some circumstances — contact the Registrar if you have a question about a specific transfer course. Under the policy, courses repeated at another institution cannot be accepted as grade replacement at Pitt regardless.
GRADES AND GPA
- What happens to my GPA when I repeat a course?
The grade from your most recent attempt is used in GPA calculations. Your prior attempt grades are excluded from GPA but remain on your transcript. If your most recent grade does not count toward GPA (for example, a withdrawal), the previous grade continues to apply until you earn a graded repeat.
- Will old grades show on my transcript?
Yes. All attempts remain on your transcript. Prior attempts will be marked with a repeat designator indicating they have been excluded from GPA. The University does not remove course history from transcripts.
- What if I get a worse grade the second or third time?
The most recent graded attempt is used for GPA regardless of whether it is better or worse than a prior grade. If you retake a course and earn a lower grade, that lower grade replaces the prior one in your GPA. Consider this carefully before repeating a course where you already have a passing grade.
SEQUENCE AND EQUIVALENT COURSES
- I passed a higher course in a sequence. Can I still repeat the lower one?
No. Once you have passed a higher course in a sequence (C or higher for undergraduate students; B or higher for graduate students), you may not repeat a lower course in that sequence. Contact your advisor if you have questions about a specific sequence.
EXCEPTIONS AND PETITIONS
- I'm blocked from enrolling but I have a reason. What can I do?
You may petition for an exception through your school's Dean's office or Campus President's office. Exceptions are granted at their discretion. Contact your academic advisor as a first step.
[Specific petition process, form link, and contact information will be added here before this page is published.]
- I think the system is counting my attempts incorrectly. Who do I contact?
Contact the Office of the University Registrar. We can review your enrollment history and verify whether the block has been applied correctly.
- I was previously told I could repeat a course more than twice. Will I be grandfathered in?
The policy applies to all students. Prior informal permissions or practices are superseded by the policy. If you have documentation of a formal exception that was approved, bring it to your advisor and contact the Registrar's office. Each situation will be reviewed individually.