Cum laude is a Latin term meaning “with distinction,” “with praise,” or “with honor.” It epitomizes an academic level of achievement. Educational institutions use this term to signify an academic degree awarded with honorable excellence in academic coursework.
This designation stands as a hallmark of success that many graduates proudly include on their resumes. Cum laude is one of three widely recognized academic excellence designations in the United States, with the others being magna cum laude (indicating great distinction) and summa cum laude (indicating the greatest distinction).
Key Takeaways
- Cum laude is one of three Latin honors that educational institutions bestow upon graduation; the other two are magna cum laude and summa cum laude.
- The term is Latin for “with distinction,” “with honor,” or “with praise.”
- Educational institutions have different academic criteria that must be met for each honor.
- Students cannot apply or campaign for Latin honors.
- A specific grade point average (GPA) is usually required even to be considered for this honor.
Understanding Cum Laude
Cum laude signifies a distinguished level of academic achievement at educational institutions. An even greater distinction is magna cum laude, meaning “with great honor” or “with high praise.” The highest honor, summa cum laude, denotes the greatest level of academic excellence.
The guidelines for achieving each level of academic honor vary among academic institutions. Universities and colleges typically outline their specific requirements for each award. Students who receive these honors are recognized during graduation ceremonies, and the designation appears on their diplomas. In addition, students might be permitted to wear special symbols, like distinctive sashes or tassels, on their graduation regalia.
Harvard University became the first academic institution in the U.S. to award cum laude and other Latin honors in 1869.
Criteria for Cum Laude
The criteria for earning Latin honors may include a high GPA, class ranking, a defined number of completed credit hours, and other academic achievements. Typically, a GPA of 3.5 or higher is required for cum laude, with higher GPAs necessary for magna cum laude and summa cum laude.
Some universities award Latin honors based on a stated percentage of the graduating class. Therefore, only a top fraction of a class may receive honors, with even smaller percentages earning magna cum laude and summa cum laude designations.
At Ivy League schools and other highly competitive institutions, an exceptional GPA alone might not suffice to earn these honors. Faculty committees assess additional academic performance indicators like outstanding papers, published articles, and exceptional research projects.
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. Summa cum laude signifies the highest praise or highest honor, representing the utmost level of academic distinction. These designations vary based on factors like GPA, class ranking, and other academic accomplishments.
What Is an Example of Cum Laude?
Consider the example of the University of Pennsylvania, where students must have a GPA of 3.4 or higher to graduate cum laude. In contrast, New York University awards cum laude honors to students within the top 30% of the graduating class, with some colleges within the university adopting their own ranking criteria. This indicates that the parameters for these designations can vary significantly across academic institutions.
Is It Hard To Earn cum Laude?
To earn cum laude, most students must maintain an above-average to high GPA, showcasing their academic excellence.
The Bottom Line
Cum laude is a Latin term used by educational institutions to signify honorable academic excellence in coursework. This distinction is often included in resumes by job candidates to highlight their academic success and distinguish themselves from the competition. Cum laude is predominantly awarded by U.S. educational institutions, offering a significant mark of academic achievement in students’ educational journeys.
Related Terms: GPA, magna cum laude, summa cum laude, academic distinction, graduation honors.
References
- University of Pennsylvania. “Graduation Honors”.
- New York University. “Latin Honors Archive”.
