How to Put Cum Laude on Your Resume

Latin honors show that you were among the top students in your college or university, making them a valuable addition to your resume.

Usually, you should add them to your education section, like this:

Should you add Latin honors to your resume?

Before you include honors on your resume, you should consider whether listing them adds value to your resume or is just a distraction.

For example, if you’ve been out of university for years already, employers won’t care if you graduated with honors because they’re more interested in your work experience.

You should only list cum laude on your resume in the following circumstances:

• You’re writing a resume as a recent college graduate
• You have minimal work experience
• You’re writing a resume for graduate school
• You’re applying for jobs in academia or law, where employers place importance on your educational background

If you have relevant work experience and have been out of school for 3-5 years or more, don’t list Latin honors on your resume.

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Where to put Latin honors on your resume

When listing summa cum laude or magna cum laude on your resume, always make sure they’re uncapitalized and in italics.

Latin honors can go in any of the following sections:

Education section

If you’re listing cum laude in the education section of your resume, either put it on its own line below your degree or write it next to the name of your degree, separated by a comma.

Here’s an example of what Latin honors look like when listed in the education section:

Honors section

If the resume template you’re using has a separate Honors section, then list your Latin honors in a bullet format alongside your other honors or awards. When listed in bullet format, you don’t need to italicize your honors.

Here’s an example of what cum laude looks like when listed in an Honors section:

Resume summary

Highlighting your Latin honors in your resume summary is a great way to show that you’re motivated and eager to learn. Including a phrase like “High-achieving graduate (magna cum laude)” in your summary ensures your academic excellence is one of the first things an employer sees, setting the tone for the rest of your application.

Highlighting these honors is especially valuable for recent graduates, helping you demonstrate your ability to excel in demanding environments even if you don’t yet have extensive professional experience.

GPA and percentile requirements for Latin honors

While specific requirements for Latin honors vary by institution, they generally correspond to a student’s class rank or a minimum GPA threshold.

Most universities set these benchmarks annually based on the performance of the graduating class to ensure the honors remain competitive and prestigious. Understanding these ranges helps you determine which honor you qualify for and how to accurately represent your academic standing.

Typically, summa cum laude (with highest honor) is reserved for the top 1–5% of students, often requiring a cumulative GPA of 3.9–4.0. Magna cum laude (with high honor) usually represents the top 10–15% of graduates, with a GPA range typically between 3.7–3.89. Finally, cum laude (with honor) generally covers the top 20–25% of the class, usually requiring a GPA of 3.5–3.69.

Consult your university’s specific handbook or registrar’s office, as some schools use fixed GPA cutoffs while others use “sliding” percentiles that change every semester. Knowing your exact standing ensures that you provide verifiable information to potential employers or graduate school admissions committees.

Other examples of Latin honors on a resume

Below are some examples that demonstrate how to list cum laude on a resume:

Magna cum laude on a resume (3 examples)

Summa cum laude on a resume (3 examples)

Additional resources

• Other parts of a resume you may need to include
• A complete, step-by-step guide to writing a resume