Cum Laude is a Latin term used by academic institutions to show that an honor or academic degree with distinction is earned. Sometimes, requirements to earn the honor of cum laude may be a specific grade point average, an honors thesis or project submittal, being in an honors program, or graduating early.
Definitions
- cum laude - cum meaning "with", and laude, meaning "praise/honor". "With honor/praise", this is the mostly used form of honors.
- magna cum laude - magna, meaning "great", the full translation being "with great honor/praise".
- summa cum laude - summa, meaning "supreme", therefore "with supreme honor/praise". This is the highest honors of the three.