# What Does Cum Laude Mean? GPA and Other Criteria

![Cum Laude](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/JKq_2c36tfTjuvpHUFlF0qniDR8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cum-laude-bef19cfc0db54181b1419b02192fccf8.jpg)

*A GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally required to graduate cum laude, although this can vary by institution. — Investopedia / Zoe Hanson*

> **Definition**
>
> Cum laude, a Latin term that means "with honor," is an academic distinction awarded by U.S. colleges and universities to graduates who excel.

## What Is Cum Laude?

The Latin term cum laude means "with distinction," "with praise," or "with honor." In the U.S. many colleges and universities use it to distinguish students who achieve academic excellence.

Cum laude is one of three academic designations awarded to students in the United States. The other two are [summa cum laude](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/summa-cum-laude.asp) (which indicates the greatest distinction) and [magna cum laude](https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/032415/what-difference-between-magnum-cum-laude-and-summa-cum-laude.asp) (which indicates great distinction).  

### Key Takeaways

*   The criteria for academic honors differ among colleges and universities.
*   Cum laude means "with distinction," "with honor," or "with praise."
*   Magna cum laude means with great distinction.
*   Summa cum laude means with the greatest distinction.

## What Cum Laude Means

Cum laude signifies a distinguished level of academic achievement. An even greater distinction is [magna cum laude](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/magna-cum-laude.asp), which means "with high honor" or "with high praise." Summa cum laude bestows the greatest honor on its recipient. 

The guidelines by which each level of academic honor is achieved differ at [academic institutions](https://www.investopedia.com/how-colleges-make-money-5199835). Each college or university outlines its expectations for each award.

Students who receive Latin honors are typically recognized during graduation ceremonies, and the designation appears on the student's diploma.  

> **Fast Fact**
>
> Students graduating with honors may be allowed to wear a certain symbol, like a sash or a tassel on their mortarboard.

## Criteria for Cum Laude

The criteria for earning Latin honors may include a high [grade point average (GPA)](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/020315/applying-grad-school-gpa-vs-work-experience.asp), class ranking, a particular number of credit hours completed, and other academic achievements.

Some universities bestow Latin honors at certain GPA levels. Typically, a GPA of 3.5 or higher is required to receive the cum laude designation, with higher GPAs necessary for magna cum laude and summa cum laude. The designation is based only on an individual student's final GPA.

Other universities reserve Latin honors for a stated percentage of each graduating class. That means only a top percentage of a class may receive any honors. Even smaller percentages of the student body may be awarded the magna cum laude and summa cum laude honors designations.

An outstanding GPA alone may not be enough to earn these honors at [Ivy League](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/112815/ivy-league-degree-worth-it.asp) universities and other highly competitive schools.

Faculty committees also consider students' academic records and other academic achievements, such as outstanding papers, published articles, and well-researched assignments. The professors will usually recommend honors for exceptional students.

## What Is the Difference Between Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude?

While cum laude represents a distinguished level of achievement, magna cum laude is one level above. Meaning “with great praise” in Latin, magna cum laude differs from summa cum laude, which in turn means “highest praise” or “highest honor.” Summa cum laude represents the highest level of academic distinction. These designations may be awarded due to different factors such as GPA, class ranking, or additional academic achievements. 

## What Is an Example of Cum Laude?

Consider the University of Pennsylvania, where students must have a GPA of 3.4 to graduate cum laude. By contrast, New York University will award a student cum laude if their GPA falls within the next 15% of the previous year's graduating class, and some colleges within the university have their own ranking system. Ultimately, how and when these designations are awarded can vary widely across academic institutions.  

## Is It Hard to Earn a Cum Laude?

Most students need to have an above-average to high grade point to earn the cum laude honor. It requires a lot of dedication, effort, and time to outperform many peers in an academic class to achieve such a distinction.

## The Bottom Line

Cum laude is a Latin term used at educational institutions as a mark of distinction, representing honorable excellence in coursework. It is determined by GPA or other academic achievements.

Job candidates will often include their cum laude designation on their resumes to demonstrate their academic success.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  University of Pennsylvania. "[Graduation Honors](https://catalog.upenn.edu/pennbook/graduation-honors/)."
>     
> 2.  New York University. "[Latin Honors Archive](https://www.nyu.edu/students/student-information-and-resources/registration-records-and-graduation/graduation-and-diplomas/graduation-honors.html)."