Summa Cum Laude vs. Magna Cum Laude: What GPA do you need?

Decoding Latin Honors

When you attend a college graduation ceremony, you will hear certain students' names called with prestigious Latin phrases attached: "Graduating Summa Cum Laude."

These phrases are called Latin Honors. They are the highest academic distinctions a university can award to an undergraduate student. Having one of these titles on your resume instantly signals to employers and graduate schools that you were at the absolute top of your class.

But what do they actually mean, and exactly what GPA do you need to earn them?

1. Cum Laude (With Honor)

"Cum Laude" translates directly to "With Honor." It is the baseline tier of Latin Honors.

At most universities, Cum Laude is awarded to students who graduate in the top 20% to 30% of their class.

Standard GPA Cutoff: Usually between a 3.50 and 3.70.

Is it impressive?* Yes. Graduating Cum Laude is a fantastic achievement that will make any resume stand out for entry-level jobs.

2. Magna Cum Laude (With Great Honor)

"Magna Cum Laude" translates to "With Great Honor." This is the middle, and significantly more exclusive, tier of honors.

Magna Cum Laude is typically reserved for students in the top 10% to 15% of their graduating class.

Standard GPA Cutoff: Usually between a 3.70 and 3.89.

Is it impressive?* Highly impressive. This tier is often the unspoken threshold for elite law schools and top-tier investment banking roles.

3. Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Honor)

"Summa Cum Laude" translates to "With Highest Honor." This is the absolute peak of academic achievement.

Summa Cum Laude is awarded only to the top 1% to 5% of the graduating class. At many universities, this requires near-perfect academic performance across four years.

Standard GPA Cutoff: Usually a 3.90 to 4.00+.

Is it impressive?* It is the ultimate academic flex. Graduating Summa Cum Laude from a rigorous university practically guarantees that your resume will pass any automated HR screening in the country.

Why Do Cutoffs Change Every Year?

You might notice that we used ranges (e.g., 3.70 - 3.89) instead of exact numbers. That is because many top universities no longer use a strict GPA cutoff.

Instead, they use a percentile system. For example, Harvard University might decree that only the top 5% of the graduating class receives Summa Cum Laude. If the graduating class in 2026 is incredibly smart, the cutoff for the top 5% might be a 3.96. The next year, the cutoff might drop to a 3.92.

Because of this shifting target, you must constantly monitor your cumulative average. Use our Target GPA Calculator to project exactly what grades you need in your senior year to secure your Latin Honors before graduation day!