Cum Laude

Key takeaways

• Cum laude (Latin: “with honor” or “with distinction”) is an academic honor awarded for strong undergraduate performance.
• Higher distinctions are magna cum laude (“with great honor”) and summa cum laude (“with highest honor”).
• Criteria vary by institution and may be based on GPA, class rank, faculty review, or a combination.
• Honors are commonly noted on diplomas and at commencement and are often listed on résumés.

What cum laude means

Cum laude is a Latin academic designation indicating that a student has graduated with honors. It recognizes distinguished academic achievement and is one of three common Latin honors used by U.S. colleges and universities:
* Cum laude — with honor or distinction
Magna cum laude — with great honor
Summa cum laude — with highest honor

The specific meaning and prestige of each level depend on institutional policies.

How Latin honors are awarded

Colleges and universities set their own rules for awarding Latin honors. Common approaches include:
* Fixed GPA thresholds (for example, institutions may set minimum GPAs for each honor).
Class-percentile awards (e.g., the top X% of the graduating class receive honors).
Faculty committees and recommendations that consider academic records, major-specific performance, senior projects, published work, or other achievements.
* Requirements for completed credit hours or residency at the institution.

Because policies differ, a GPA that earns cum laude at one school might not qualify at another.

Typical GPA ranges and examples

Although practices vary, typical patterns include:
* Cum laude: often starts around a 3.4–3.5 GPA and up.
Magna cum laude: a higher GPA threshold than cum laude.
Summa cum laude: the highest GPA threshold or reserved for the top fraction of the class.

Examples of differing approaches:
* One university may award cum laude at a specific GPA (e.g., 3.4).
* Another institution may award honors based on class ranking, such as the next 15% of graduates after the top percentage.

Is it hard to earn cum laude?

Earning cum laude typically requires above-average to high academic performance and consistent effort. Difficulty depends on:
* The institution’s standards and grading environment.
Competition within the graduating cohort.
Whether additional non-GPA criteria (research, theses, faculty review) are required.

Highly selective schools may apply stricter or more holistic standards beyond GPA.

Recognition and use

Students receiving Latin honors are commonly:
* Acknowledged at commencement and may wear distinctive regalia (sashes, cords, or tassels).
Noted on their diplomas and academic transcripts.
Likely to list the honor on résumés and CVs to highlight academic achievement.

Bottom line

Cum laude signals notable academic achievement but is not standardized across institutions. To understand exact requirements and the honor’s significance, check your college or university’s official policies.