A D is passing in most schools (F is failing), but it often will not count toward a major, a prerequisite, transfer credit or a scholarship GPA.
On the common US scale, A is 90+, B 80s, C 70s, D 60s and F below 60. Anything above an F is a pass. So a D earns credit toward graduation almost everywhere. The catch is that "passing" and "good enough" are different things.
Is a D passing in high school?
In most US high schools, yes: a D earns credit and counts toward graduation. Some districts set the pass mark at 65 or 70 instead of 60, and some states require a C or better in core courses for college-prep diplomas. Colleges see the D on your transcript and it drags your GPA down (a D is 1.0 on the 4.0 scale).
Is a D passing in college?
Usually yes for general electives. But most colleges require a C or better for courses in your major, for prerequisites (you cannot take Calculus II on a D in Calculus I), and for transfer credit to another school. A D also counts as 1.0 toward your GPA, and dropping below a 2.0 cumulative GPA triggers academic probation.
What is a passing grade in college?
D− or D (60%) is the technical minimum at most schools; C (70%) is the practical minimum for anything that matters: major requirements, prerequisites, nursing and engineering programs, and financial-aid satisfactory progress rules (which typically require a 2.0 GPA).
Does a D affect financial aid?
Not directly, but federal aid requires "satisfactory academic progress", usually a 2.0 cumulative GPA and completing two-thirds of attempted credits. Several Ds can push you under 2.0.
Should I retake a class I got a D in?
If it is a prerequisite or in your major, probably yes; many schools replace the old grade in your GPA when you retake. For a one-off elective, usually not worth it unless your GPA is near a cut-off.