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
diff --git a/lms/templates/dashboard.html b/lms/templates/dashboard.html
index 177eb276af..d9b57ac044 100644
--- a/lms/templates/dashboard.html
+++ b/lms/templates/dashboard.html
@@ -246,13 +246,14 @@
             % if cert_status['status'] == 'processing':
                   <p class="message-copy">Final course details are being wrapped up at
                   this time. Your final standing will be available shortly.</p>
-            % elif cert_status['status'] in ('generating', 'ready'):
-                  <p class="message-copy">You have received a grade of
-                            <span class="grade-value">${cert_status['grade']}</span>
-                            in this course.</p>
-            % elif cert_status['status'] == 'notpassing':
-                  <p class="message-copy">You did not complete the necessary requirements for
-                     completion of this course.</p>
+            % elif cert_status['status'] in ('generating', 'ready', 'notpassing'):
+                  <p class="message-copy">Your final grade:
+                  <span class="grade-value">${"{0:.0f}%".format(float(cert_status['grade'])*100)}</span>.
+                  % if cert_status['status'] == 'notpassing':
+                     Grade required for a certificate: <span class="grade-value">
+                       ${"{0:.0f}%".format(float(course.lowest_passing_grade)*100)}</span>.
+                  % endif
+                  </p>
             % endif
 
             % if cert_status['show_disabled_download_button'] or cert_status['show_download_url'] or cert_status['show_survey_button']: