All graduating seniors are eligible for Latin honors designations on diplomas and transcripts if their complete academic record shows at least 45 graded residence credits at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and meets one or more of the following criteria:

• If a student’s GPA is among the top 5% of the graduating class of his/her school or college, then they will receive the degree summa cum laude.
• If a student’s GPA is among the top 10% of the graduating class of his/her school or college, but not among the top 5%, then they will receive the degree magna cum laude.
• If a student’s GPA is among the top 25% of the graduating class of his/her school or college, but not among the top 10%, then they will receive the degree cum laude.

The GPA needed to secure a place in the top 5%, 10%, and 25% in each school or college is based on the average of the previous three years’ graduating classes (see below).

For Commonwealth Honors College students:

Commonwealth Honors College students are also eligible for CHC distinction levels. See the Commonwealth Honors College website for the criteria for these distinctions:

Commonwealth Honors College Scholar with greatest distinction
Commonwealth Honors College Scholar with great distinction
Commonwealth Honors College Scholar with distinction
Commonwealth Honors College Scholar.

For additional questions on CHC honors call 413-545-2483 for an advising appointment.

NOTE: If a Commonwealth Honors College student meets both criteria they will receive the degree with honors of both types—f or example, “B. A., magna cum laude, Commonwealth Honors College Scholar with greatest distinction.”

Latin Honors GPAs Based on 3-Year Graduating GPAs (September 2024, January 2025, February 2025, and May 2025 Graduates)