Cum laude is an Latin term used to indicate a high level of academic distinction at the time of graduation. Along with other academic honors, it is used all over the world and no standard system governs how it is used; schools decide how to award honors on an individual basis. Typically, to graduate cum laude, a student must maintain excellent grades, complete a supplemental honors thesis, and participate in honors courses. In some nations, students who wish to achieve a cum laude designation on their diplomas must also complete a series of special exams.

When a student graduates cum laude, this is written on his or her diploma. Generally, students also indicate their cum laude status in applications to other schools and on an employment resume, since it suggests a high level of achievement. In the United States, undergraduates and graduate students are eligible to graduate with this honor, while in other nations, undergraduates are not awarded this type of honor, or a different naming system of used. In general, secondary schools do not use a system of Latin honors to recognize distinctive students, utilizing a separate honors system instead.

There are actually three classes of Latin academic honors in use in the United States and around the world, and most universities use at least two of them. All universities use cum laude, which means “with praise.” Some universities also add magna cum laude, which translates to “with great praise”. The third honor is summa cum laude, for “with highest praise,” used for only the very best students. Most universities use the Latin terms rather than the English for honors, whether or not they print diplomas in Latin.

Students who are interested in graduating with cum laude status should consult the policies of their individual educational institutions for more information. In many instances, the honors are awarded individually by department, and honors information will be maintained in the offices of the relevant department. Some universities award honors status by class rank, for example giving the top two percent of graduating students honors, while others award honors on the basis of grades and supplemental coursework, meaning that the number of honors students can fluctuate. Either way, earning a cum laude degree is hard work, and a cause for celebration.