What does cum laude mean?

Cum laude means “with praise,” commonly rendered in academic use as “with honors.” It is a graduation distinction within the Latin honors system. Schools that use all three common levels place it below magna cum laude and summa cum laude.

Check what your school requires

The translation explains the label, not the eligibility rules. A school may use GPA thresholds, class percentages, required credits, or additional academic conditions. It may also set different criteria across colleges within the same university.

Cum laude is distinct from a dean’s list designation for one term and from completing an honors college curriculum. A student can earn one form of recognition without necessarily earning the others. Final honors may be determined after grades are posted, even if commencement has already occurred.

Put the answer into practice

• Find the Latin honors policy for your degree program.
• Check the GPA calculation and any residence-credit requirement.
• Confirm when the final distinction is awarded.
• Use the official record when listing the honor.

On a résumé, the wording can appear beside the degree once confirmed: “[Degree], cum laude.” The Latin honors résumé guide explains placement and accurate phrasing.