In plain English
It combines the grade points from all courses into one overall average. The total covers a stated period of study, often the whole program at one institution.
In context
Here, it labels the field for a student’s overall average of grade points from all courses during the stated period of study.
- Situation
- Applying for admission, scholarships, financial aid, and following decision status
- What it communicates
- labels the overall GPA field in academic history
Meaning limits
By itself, the term does not say which period of study is being used unless that period is stated elsewhere.
Examples
“After three years at the university, his cumulative GPA was 3.4 even though his spring GPA was 3.9.”
“The adviser told Lena to enter her cumulative GPA on the transfer application.”