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

You’ve probably heard classmates mention they’re graduating summa cum laude or magna cum laude, and maybe you’ve wondered what those terms mean. These Latin phrases may sound fancy (and they are), but they’re simply part of a long academic tradition that recognizes students who excel in their studies.

Whether you’re still in school or just curious about the difference between these honors, understanding the meanings of summa cum laude and magna cum laude can give you insight into how institutions classify academic achievement and reward high-performing students.

Understanding Latin Honors in College

Latin honors are special titles given to college graduates to celebrate exceptional academic performance. The term cum laude literally means "with praise" or "with honor." It’s a centuries-old way for universities to recognize top-performing students, a tradition that has stood the test of time.

In the U.S., most colleges and universities use Latin honors to highlight their most dedicated scholars during graduation. These honors usually appear in the graduation program, on your transcript, and even on your diploma.

So when you hear someone say they graduated magna cum laude or summa cum laude, they’re not just saying they did well in school, they’re saying, "I gave it everything I had, and it paid off."

What Does "Cum Laude" Mean?

Let’s start at the base level. Cum laude means "with praise." Think of it as a recognition for students who consistently performed well throughout their college years, usually placing them in the top 20-30% of their graduating class.

It’s a big deal. You’ve worked hard, balanced exams, projects, and probably a part-time job or two, and this honor acknowledges all of that.

The Three Levels of Latin Honors

Here’s a quick breakdown of how Latin honors work in most U.S. colleges. Exact cutoffs vary by institution, so these ranges are approximate.

1. Cum Laude

   Meaning: "With praise." Typical range: top 20-30% of the graduating class. This honor recognizes sustained strong academic performance over the course of study.

2. Magna Cum Laude

   Meaning: "With great praise." Typical range: top 10-15% of the graduating class. This indicates a higher level of academic achievement than cum laude, often based on GPA thresholds or department recommendations.

3. Summa Cum Laude

   Meaning: "With highest praise." Typical range: top 1- 5% of the graduating class. This is the highest Latin honor and is reserved for students with outstanding academic records.

Honor Title	Meaning (in Latin)	Approximate GPA Range	Typical Criteria	Level of Distinction
Cum Laude	With praise	3.5 to 3.7	Strong academic performance	Third-highest honor
Magna Cum Laude	With great praise	3.7 to 3.9	Excellent academic standing	Second-highest honor
Summa Cum Laude	With highest praise	3.9 to 4.0	Exceptional academic record	Highest honor

Each school sets its own GPA cutoffs, but the overall idea stays the same. The higher your GPA and sometimes your thesis or faculty recommendations, the higher the distinction.

The Difference Between Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude

Meaning and Rank of Cum Laude

Magna Cum Laude means “with great honor.” It is awarded to students who are usually in the top 10-15% of their class.

Summa Cum Laude translates to “with highest honor.” This title is reserved for the top 1 to 5 percent, the absolute best of the best.

GPA Requirements

• Magna cum laude: Around 3.7 to 3.89
• Summa cum laude: 3.9 to 4.0 or near perfect grades

Beyond GPA

Many universities also look at more than just grades. Completing a senior thesis, contributing to research, demonstrating leadership, or earning departmental recommendations can play a part too.

Different Schools, Different Rules

The criteria vary from college to college:

• Harvard uses both GPA and faculty votes.
• UCLA uses percentile ranks within each department.
• State universities may have fixed GPA cutoffs for each level.

No matter where you study, these titles recognize dedication, consistency, and academic excellence.

How Are Latin Honors Determined?

Each college has its own formula for determining who receives Latin honors. Here are some common factors:

• Cumulative GPA : The most important metric.

• Credit hours completed at the institution : Some schools require you to complete a certain number of credits on campus.

• Participation in honors programs : Participation in honors or advanced research programs can influence eligibility.

• Faculty recommendations : Professors or department heads may nominate students for the highest distinctions.

It is not just about numbers. It is about effort, consistency, and the impact you made during your college journey.

Why These Honors Matter

• Career Boost: While employers may not always ask about GPA, seeing “summa cum laude” on a resume signals that you’re hardworking, reliable, and committed to excellence.

• Graduate Studies: If you’re considering grad school, these distinctions can strengthen your application.

• Personal Pride:  It’s about more than recognition, it’s about celebrating your dedication, late-night study sessions, and everything you overcame to get there.

The words cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude tell your story without you having to say a thing.

How Latin Honors Appear on Diplomas and Transcripts

Latin honors usually appear directly under your degree title. For example:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude

It’s simple, elegant, and powerful. And that’s why so many graduates choose to showcase their diplomas proudly in a custom frame. This is where University Frames comes in.

Why Trust University Frames with Your Summa or Magna Cum Laude Honor

At University Frames, every graduate deserves to show off their success in a meaningful and personal way. Whether you earned a magna cum laude from a prestigious institution like Harvard University or summa cum laude at an esteemed school such as the University of California, our frames are designed not just to preserve your diploma, but to make your unparalleled achievement shine. Our frames are designed not just to preserve your diploma, but to make your achievement shine.

Here’s What Makes Us Different

• Officially Licensed Frames: We work with more than 1,500 colleges and universities across the U.S. Every frame includes your school’s official logo and colors.

• Handcrafted in the USA:  Every frame is custom-built at our California facility using premium hardwood mouldings and museum-quality mat boards. You’re not getting mass-produced decor; you’re getting a handcrafted keepsake made with the same care and precision that went into earning your degree from a school like the University of Michigan or New York University (NYU).

• Endless Customization: Choose from a variety of moulding styles, mat colors, engraving options, and layouts. You can even add a second opening to showcase a photo or tassel. When celebrating an honor like summa cum laude from a world-class institution, you deserve a frame that is as unique as your accomplishment. It’s your story, frame it your way.

• Built to Protect: UV-protective glass and acid-free mats keep your diploma safe from fading, moisture, and aging. That means your accomplishment from Stanford University or the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) stays as bright and impressive as the day you earned it.

• Sustainably Made: We’re proud to use eco-friendly materials and processes, because celebrating your success shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet.

 

 

Celebrate the Meaning Behind the Achievement

Whether you graduated summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude, each level represents something important, discipline, growth, and perseverance. It’s not just about academic numbers; it’s about the journey you took to get there.

And that’s why displaying your diploma matters. It’s a daily reminder of how far you’ve come and the confidence that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

A beautifully framed diploma can also inspire others. Place it in your home office, living room, or workspace, every glance becomes a moment of motivation.

Real World Impact - Beyond Graduation

Your Latin honor might start as a line on your diploma, but it often becomes a stepping stone in your life:

• In Job Interviews: Employers notice dedication and consistency, traits reflected by academic honors.

• In Networking Circles: It’s a great conversation starter and builds credibility in professional communities.

• In Family Legacy: For many graduates, it’s a milestone worth passing down, proof that hard work pays off.

Pair that legacy with a timeless Diploma Frame, and you’ve got something to be proud of for decades. 

Common Myths About Latin Honors

Let’s clear up a few things people often get wrong about Latin honors:

Myth	Truth
“Only Ivy League students earn these titles.”	Many public and private universities award them; excellence isn’t limited to any one school.
“They’re just words; they don’t matter.”	They matter because they represent your persistence, focus, and commitment to learning.
“Every college uses the same GPA cutoffs.”	Criteria vary widely, even between departments in the same school.

How to Earn Latin Honors If You Are Still Studying

1. Stay consistent. Don’t wait until your senior year to focus on grades, every semester counts.
2. Use campus resources. Tutoring centers and study groups exist for a reason.
3. Get involved. Joining honors programs, research projects, and leadership roles will make a difference.
4. Build good relationships with professors. They can become mentors and provide valuable recommendations.
5. Balance is key. Take care of your mental health, success is sustainable only when you’re in a good headspace.

Now That You Have Earned Your Diploma, It Is Time to Celebrate

Your diploma is more than proof of graduation. It is the story of your effort, determination, and pride. The best way to honor that story is to give it a place of importance in your home.

Turn Your Hard Work into Art with a Personalized Diploma Frame

Whether you graduated cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, your achievement deserves a showcase.

Our handcrafted, officially licensed diploma frames are made with premium materials and built to last. Personalize every detail to reflect your journey.

Explore our full collection at UniversityFrames.com and turn your achievement into an heirloom piece.

Order Your Summa and Magna Cum Laude Frame Today