The lowest level of graduating with honors is known as Cum Laude. The term Cum Laude actually translates from Latin to mean "with praise." While it is the lowest level, it does not mean that it is the least significant. The specific qualifications for this title varies based on which school you attend. For the most part, the lower end of Cum Laude honors falls around 3.5, while some schools allow a GPA as low as 3.2.
The second highest level of honors graduation is known as Magna Cum Laude. In Latin, this term means "with great honor." The demands for this level of honors is higher than those of a Cum Laude graduation. To qualify, a student must have a GPA that can range as low as 3.5 at some schools, up to a high GPA of 3.999 in other schools. Some schools use the Magna Cum Laude distinction for most of their honors graduates, leaving higher honors issued rarely.
The highest of all honors issued at graduation is Summa Cum Laude. Meaning "with highest praise" in Latin, this honor is bestowed only on those who have the highest academic achievements. Some schools require that their Summa Cum Laude graduates have a 4.0 GPA or higher. Other schools offer this distinction at lower levels, down to as low as 3.7. This distinction gives students an edge over other applicants when applying for graduate school and jobs.
Many graduate schools and some employers consider a student's GPA and honors rankings when going through applications. Often, any student that has achieved an honors ranking is given greater consideration over those who have not graduated with honors. However, those who have achieved higher levels of honors are more likely to be admitted to graduate school or be hired by employers. When a school or employer is looking at a candidate who has graduated with honors, the school at which she attended may also be considered since the GPA required for honors varies by school. In fact, some schools even base honors on a percentage of students rather than actual GPA.