Magna cum laude is an academic honor awarded to students who graduate with a grade point average (GPA) near the top of their class. While the precise standards differ among colleges, a magna cum laude GPA generally indicates average grades of about 3.7 to 3.9 out of a perfect 4.0.
Magna cum laude is a Latin phrase that means ‘with great praise.’
Levels of Academic Distinction
U.S. colleges commonly use three levels of academic distinction:
- Cum Laude: Meaning ‘with distinction,’ awarded to graduates with a GPA of about 3.5 to 3.7.
- Magna Cum Laude: Meaning ‘with great praise,’ indicates a GPA of about 3.7 to 3.9.
- Summa Cum Laude: Meaning ‘with highest distinction,’ suggests a GPA above 3.9.
Some colleges calculate their honors based on class placement. For example, a student in the top 3% of the class might qualify for a magna cum laude distinction.
Key Takeaways
- Magna cum laude is an academic honorific awarded to students who have achieved academic excellence.
- There is no set standard to qualify for this honor, with each school free to set its own criteria.
- The practice of awarding honors degrees began at Harvard University in the mid-19th century and has spread worldwide.
- Some colleges do not offer Latin honors and instead use the word ‘distinction’ to honor students who achieve academic excellence.
What is Magna Cum Laude?
The awarding of Latin honors is common in colleges and universities in the United States, though not all bestow them. Many high schools also grant Latin honors.
Magna cum laude means ‘with great praise’ and signifies academic excellence. It is more prestigious than cum laude honors but less prestigious than summa cum laude.
The criteria for achieving these distinctions—institutional GPA requirements, class rankings, or departmental recommendations—vary by each academic institution.
Latin honors are most commonly awarded with bachelor’s degrees but may also appear on official transcripts.
Magna Cum Laude Requirements
Magna cum laude honors are generally awarded to students who have earned high, but not the highest, academic marks. Criteria might include GPA, class rank, credit hours completed, or departmental recommendations.
Some institutions award Latin honors to a percentage of the graduating class, causing exact GPA requirements to fluctuate yearly.
Examples of Magna Cum Laude Criteria
The academic thresholds for honors vary among institutions and programs within the same institution.
For example:
- Texas A&M: Requires graduates to complete 60 credit hours while earning a GPA of 3.70 to 3.899.
- UCLA: GPA requirements change yearly, based on a percentage of the student’s class. For the 2022–2023 academic year, a GPA of 3.898 was necessary, rising to 3.934 for the 2023–2024 year.
Harvard’s Rules
At Harvard University, undergraduates completing degrees within the top 20% GPA will receive either summa cum laude or magna cum laude distinctions, with summa reserved for the highest GPAs.
Other Ivy League schools, like Brown University, have variations in criteria. At Brown, no more than 20% of a class can earn magna cum laude, determined by a high percentage of A grades and ‘S’ for distinction marks.
Other Factors
Colleges may incorporate other factors when granting magna cum laude status. These can include:
- Completing an honors thesis
- Letters of recommendation from faculty
- Completion of advanced courses
Schools Without Magna Cum Laude
Some institutions, like Stanford University, forgo Latin honors in favor of titles like ‘with distinction,’ awarded to the top 15% of graduates based on GPA.
The Value of a Magna Cum Laude Degree
The relative value of a magna cum laude degree varies in the job market. While highly significant for some employers, for others, it may not carry weight. However, it is beneficial for students applying to graduate programs, where high GPAs, often accompanied by Latin honors, can be advantageous.
What Grades Do You Need for Magna Cum Laude?
Criteria vary by institution but generally signifies near-perfect performance:
- University of Pennsylvania: Magna cum laude requires a GPA of 3.6.
- Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences: Requires a GPA of 3.7.
Grade point averages, credit hours, and departmental endorsements can all impact eligibility.
Is Magna Cum Laude the Highest?
No, the highest Latin honor is usually summa cum laude, followed by magna cum laude, and then cum laude.
Which is Higher: Summa Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude?
Summa cum laude is the highest honor, bestowed, for instance, at New York University to the top 5% of graduates, with the next 10% receiving magna cum laude.
The Bottom Line
Acquiring a degree is a significant achievement, but in today’s competitive job and academic market, Latin honors such as magna cum laude can make a difference, signaling hard work and determination that can open doors in career or further education avenues.
Related Terms: Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude, academic excellence, honors degree.
References
- Texas A&M University, Aggie One Stop. “Graduation with Honors”.
- University of California, Los Angeles, Samueli School of Engineering, Office of Academic and Student Affairs. “Latin Honors Eligibility”.
- Harvard University, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Computer Science Concentration. “Honors”.
- Brown University. “The College: Latin Honors (Magna Cum Laude)”.
- Stanford University, Student Services. “Undergraduate Honors”.
- University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences. “Graduation (Latin) Honors”.
- Ohio State University, College of Arts and Sciences. “Graduation: Graduating with Honors: Latin Honors”.
- New York University. “Graduation Honors: Latin Honors”.
