Latin Honors
Learn how Latin Honors (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude) are calculated and added to graduating seniors' diplomas.
Each year, the top 14 percent of the graduating seniors on campus are eligible for honors. The honors are organized into three levels:
- Cum Laude
- Magna Cum Laude
- Summa Cum Laude
The ranking of students for eligibility for college honors is based on their cumulative grade point average. To be eligible for honors, you must receive letter grades for at least 72 quarter-units of course work at the University of California.
Your cumulative GPA is listed on your Academic History and generally includes all classes taken at UC San Diego, another UC Campus (but not through any UC Extension), UC Education Abroad, the UC Natural Reserve System, and the UC/DC or UC Sacramento programs. Grades from most transfer work is not included. Grades from your final quarter are included in the calculation.
UC San Diego cumulative GPAs are calculated to the third decimal place, without rounding. No exceptions are made for students who are close but just under any of the GPA cutoffs or the 72-unit requirement.
Generally, no more than the top 2 percent are eligible for Summa Cum Laude, and no more than the next 4 percent for Magna Cum Laude. The remaining 8 percent are eligible for Cum Laude.
Latin Honors are formally awarded at the time your final degree paperwork is processed and will appear on your transcripts at the same time that your degree is posted, which can be up to 12 weeks from the end of the term when you graduate.
Recent Latin Honors GPA cutoffs:
| Fall 2023 – Summer 2024 | Fall 2022 – Summer 2023 | Fall 2021 – Summer 2022 | Fall 2020 – Summer 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cum Laude | 3.876–3.945 | 3.850–3.928 | 3.819–3.915 | 3.771–3.877 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.946–3.982 | 3.929–3.974 | 3.916–3.966 | 3.878–3.951 |
| Summa Cum Laude | 3.983–4.000 | 3.975–4.000 | 3.967–4.000 | 3.952–4.000 |
Contact the Office of the Registrar if you have other questions about Latin Honors, or for GPA Cutoffs from prior terms.
Contact Commencement if you have questions about the graduation ceremony.
Contact the Bookstore if you have questions about caps, gowns, or regalia (such as sashes or cords).