diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
index 2b6232d366..3506c72bd7 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/course_module.py
@@ -149,6 +149,10 @@ class CourseDescriptor(SequenceDescriptor):
     def grade_cutoffs(self):
         return self._grading_policy['GRADE_CUTOFFS']
 
+    @property
+    def lowest_passing_grade(self):
+        return min(self._grading_policy['GRADE_CUTOFFS'].values())
+
     @property
     def tabs(self):
         """
@@ -292,7 +296,7 @@ class CourseDescriptor(SequenceDescriptor):
                     return False
         except:
             log.exception("Error parsing discussion_blackouts for course {0}".format(self.id))
-        
+
         return True
 
     @property