Sean
The terms summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude may be familiar to you. These three phrases, collectively known as Latin honors, denote distinct levels of excellent intellectual accomplishment. Many colleges and universities in the United States and other regions of the world award Latin distinctions. Some U.S. high schools also provide them.
Here’s how it usually goes in American universities: Summa cum laude is the pinnacle (think “summit”) prize, given to a small percentage of college graduates each year. Magna cum laude is the next highest-ranking title, followed by cum laude.
Key takeaways:
- Magna cum laude and summa cum laude are college honors bestowed on high-achieving students.
- Summa cum laude is awarded to students who have graduated “with the highest distinction.” Magna cum laude is awarded to students who have graduated “with considerable distinction.”
- There is no consistent standard for awarding the accolades; instead, each individual school, and in some circumstances, each specific department, must decide what qualifies for the award.
