Key Takeaways
- Cum laude means 'with praise' or 'with honor'.
- Awarded for GPA roughly between 3.5 and 3.7.
- Lowest tier in Latin honors hierarchy.
- Boosts academic and professional credentials.
What is Cum Laude?
Cum laude is a Latin term meaning "with praise," awarded as an academic honor to students who achieve a high grade point average (GPA), generally between 3.5 and 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. This distinction recognizes strong academic performance and is commonly noted on diplomas and transcripts.
It is the entry-level tier in a hierarchy of Latin honors, which also includes magna cum laude and summa cum laude, each representing increasing levels of academic excellence.
Key Characteristics
Understanding cum laude involves recognizing its defining features and how it fits into academic honors.
- Academic Threshold: Typically awarded to students with a GPA of 3.5–3.7, though exact criteria vary by institution.
- Recognition Level: Represents the lowest tier of Latin honors but still signifies notable achievement.
- Variability: GPA requirements and class rank cutoffs differ widely, often influenced by departmental policies or school-specific rules.
- Symbolism: Honors often appear on diplomas, transcripts, and graduation regalia like cords or stoles.
- Impact: Can enhance resumes and applications for graduate school or jobs by signaling consistent academic dedication.
How It Works
To earn cum laude honors, you must typically maintain a GPA within the institution’s specified range, often calculated according to GAAP-like standardized grading policies. Some schools also consider class rank percentiles or require a minimum number of credits completed at their institution.
Universities may exclude transfer credits or certain courses from GPA calculations affecting your eligibility. Additionally, some programs require completion of honors courses or an honors thesis to qualify, so reviewing your school’s specific criteria is essential.
Examples and Use Cases
Various universities and industries recognize cum laude distinctions, demonstrating its widespread relevance.
- Universities: Institutions like UC Berkeley award an equivalent distinction noted on transcripts, while CSUSM uses a 3.5 GPA threshold with ceremonial gold cords.
- Employers: Organizations such as Delta value academic honors on resumes when assessing candidates for competitive roles.
- Finance Sector: Firms may prefer candidates who demonstrate analytical skills supported by honors, which can be complemented by expertise in data analytics.
- Credit and Investment: Students graduating cum laude often have access to better financial opportunities, including eligibility for excellent credit cards or investment options offered by leading online brokers.
Important Considerations
While cum laude honors are valuable, you should verify your institution’s exact criteria, as GPA scales and ranking methods differ significantly. Honors may not transfer universally and can depend on your major or department.
Maintaining consistent academic performance aligned with your school’s policies can maximize your chances of earning such honors, which may positively influence your career trajectory but should be complemented by real-world skills and experiences.
Final Words
Cum laude signifies solid academic achievement and can enhance your resume, but criteria vary widely across institutions. Check your school's specific requirements to understand how this honor fits into your academic and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cum laude is a Latin phrase meaning 'with praise' or 'with honor,' awarded to undergraduate students who achieve a high GPA, typically between 3.5 and 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. It recognizes strong academic performance and is the entry-level Latin honor in many institutions.
Cum laude is the lowest of three Latin honors, followed by magna cum laude ('with great praise') and summa cum laude ('with highest praise'). These honors correspond to increasing GPA thresholds and class rank percentiles, with cum laude usually awarded to students in the top 16-35% or with a GPA around 3.5-3.7.
No, GPA requirements for cum laude vary by university, college, and sometimes department. For example, CSUSM requires a GPA between 3.5 and 3.699, while UConn requires a minimum 3.0 GPA plus being in the 75th percentile of the class.
Yes, many schools also consider class rank, minimum credit hours completed at the institution, and sometimes completion of honors courses or theses. Transfer credits can also affect eligibility if they lower the overall GPA.
Cum laude honors are typically noted on diplomas, transcripts, and commencement programs. At some schools, students may also wear special cords or regalia during graduation ceremonies to signify this achievement.
Earning cum laude signals academic excellence and dedication, which can enhance resumes for jobs, graduate school applications, and scholarship opportunities. Employers and academic programs often view Latin honors as a mark of distinction.
Yes, transfer students can qualify, but their transfer credits are included in GPA calculations at many institutions. If transfer grades lower the overall GPA, it might affect their eligibility for cum laude honors.
