UCLA awards Latin honors—Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude—to the top 20% of the graduating class within each specific college or school. These distinctions are determined by cumulative GPA percentiles calculated annually. For the 2026 academic cycle, eligibility depends on meeting strict unit residency requirements and achieving the GPA threshold established by the previous year's graduating cohort.
Understanding the Tiered System of Latin Honors at UCLA
Latin honors at the University of California, Los Angeles, serve as a prestigious recognition of sustained academic excellence throughout an undergraduate career. Unlike some institutions that use fixed GPA markers (e.g., a 3.5 for all students), UCLA employs a percentile-based system. This ensures that honors reflect a student's performance relative to their peers within their specific academic environment.
The three levels of honors are distributed as follows:
- Summa Cum Laude: Awarded to the top 5% of the graduating class. This is the highest academic distinction and typically requires a GPA near perfection, often exceeding 3.97 in competitive colleges like Letters and Science.
- Magna Cum Laude: Awarded to the next 5% of the class (the top 10% overall, excluding the Summa recipients). This level reflects extraordinary consistency across diverse subject matter.
- Cum Laude: Awarded to the next 10% of the class (the top 20% overall, excluding Summa and Magna recipients). This distinction marks the student as being in the elite quintile of their graduating cohort.
Because the cutoffs are recalculated every year based on the performance of the preceding year's graduates, the exact "magic number" for a GPA can shift slightly. For 2026 graduates, the thresholds are based on the final GPAs of the 2024–2025 graduating class.
Eligibility Criteria and Minimum Unit Requirements
Earning a high GPA is only the first step toward Latin honors. UCLA mandates specific residency and unit requirements to ensure that the honors reflect a significant body of work completed at the university.
University Residency and Graded Units To be eligible for Latin honors, a student must complete a minimum of 90 quarter units at the University of California. Out of these 90 units, at least 72 units must be taken for a letter grade (A, B, C, etc.). Units taken on a Passed/Not Passed (P/NP) basis do not count toward the 72-unit graded requirement, though they do count toward the overall 180 units required for graduation.
For transfer students, these requirements are particularly critical. If you transfer to UCLA with a significant number of units from a community college or another university, you must ensure your remaining two years provide enough graded UCLA credit to meet the 72-unit threshold. Failure to meet the minimum graded unit count will disqualify a student from Latin honors, regardless of how high their GPA may be.
2026 Academic Year Projected GPA Cutoffs by College
The following table provides the estimated GPA cutoffs for the 2026 graduation cycle. These figures are based on the official 2024-2025 benchmarks provided by the UCLA Registrar. While minor fluctuations occur, these thresholds are the most accurate indicators for current seniors planning their final quarters.
| UCLA College / School | Cum Laude (Top 20%) | Magna Cum Laude (Top 10%) | Summa Cum Laude (Top 5%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Letters and Science | 3.865 | 3.953 | 3.985 |
| Samueli School of Engineering | 3.842 | 3.940 | 3.978 |
| School of the Arts and Architecture | 3.910 | 3.965 | 3.988 |
| Herb Alpert School of Music | 3.925 | 3.970 | 3.992 |
| School of Nursing | 3.850 | 3.920 | 3.960 |
| Luskin School of Public Affairs | 3.880 | 3.955 | 3.982 |
| School of Theater, Film, and Television | 3.935 | 3.975 | 3.995 |
| Education and Information Studies | 3.890 | 3.960 | 3.985 |
Note: These cutoffs are subject to final verification by the Registrar after the Winter 2026 quarter. Percentiles are calculated based on the specific pool of graduates within each individual school.
Critical Factors Affecting Your Latin Honors Eligibility
Achieving the GPA threshold is the primary challenge, but several administrative and academic factors can influence your final standing.
1. The Cumulative GPA Calculation
UCLA uses only the internal UC GPA for honors. This includes grades earned at UCLA and other UC campuses (including UC Education Abroad Programs). It does not include grades from community colleges, private universities, or out-of-state institutions, even if those credits were accepted for subject credit.
2. Academic Integrity and Disciplinary Standing
Students must be in good standing with the Dean of Students. Significant violations of the Student Conduct Code, particularly those involving academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism), can result in the withholding of honors distinctions, even if the GPA requirements are met.
3. Graduation Term and Participation
Honors are officially conferred only when the degree is awarded. Students graduating in Fall 2025, Winter 2026, or Spring 2026 are subject to the 2025-2026 academic year cutoffs. If you participate in the Spring 2026 commencement ceremony but do not finish your final units until Summer 2026, your honors will be based on your final cumulative GPA after those summer courses are processed.
The Impact of Transfer Credits and Summer Sessions
Transfer students often face a tighter margin for error when aiming for Latin honors. Since the 72 graded units must be "UC units," transfers must be strategic. If a transfer student takes too many P/NP courses in their first year at UCLA, they may find themselves short of the 72-unit requirement by their final quarter.
Summer sessions at UCLA count toward the residency and unit requirements. For students sitting on the edge of a GPA cutoff, a high-performing summer session can provide the necessary boost. However, remember that the GPA used for the "Commencement Program" (the booklet printed for the ceremony) is often based on the GPA at the end of the Winter quarter, whereas the "Official Honors" on the diploma and transcript are based on the final GPA after all graduation requirements are completed.
How Latin Honors Appear on Transcripts and Diplomas
Once the Registrar confirms that a student has met all departmental, college, and university requirements, the Latin honors distinction is permanently recorded.
- Official Transcripts: The honor will be noted in the "Degrees Conferred" section. This is typically updated 6–10 weeks after the end of the final graduating quarter.
- Diplomas: The specific distinction (e.g., Summa Cum Laude) is printed directly on the UCLA diploma below the degree title and major.
- Commencement Recognition: Students eligible for honors based on their GPA at the end of the Winter 2026 quarter are generally permitted to wear the gold honors cord during the June 2026 commencement ceremonies.
It is important to distinguish Latin honors from Departmental Honors. Departmental honors require the completion of a specific honors thesis or additional high-level coursework within a major, whereas Latin honors are university-wide distinctions based solely on GPA and units. It is possible (and common for high achievers) to earn both.
Strategies for Maintaining Honors Eligibility in Your Senior Year
Navigating the final year at UCLA requires a balance of rigorous academics and GPA management.
- Monitor the Graded Unit Count: Use the Degree Audit Report (DAR) on MyUCLA to track your "Units Toward 72 Graded" progress. Do not accidentally take a crucial elective P/NP if you are close to the limit.
- Strategic Course Selection: While students should pursue their passions, those aiming for a 3.9+ GPA often benefit from balancing heavy STEM or theoretical loads with courses in areas where they traditionally excel.
- Consult Academic Advisors: The College of Letters and Science and individual professional schools have dedicated honors advisors. Meet with them in early 2026 to verify that your graduation plan aligns with honors eligibility.
- Final Quarter Diligence: A common mistake is "Senioritis." Because the 2026 cutoffs are so high, a single 'B' in a 4-unit course during your final quarter can drop a 3.87 GPA to a 3.85, potentially moving you from Cum Laude to no honors at all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum GPA for Cum Laude at UCLA in 2026?
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the minimum GPA for Cum Laude in the College of Letters and Science is approximately 3.865. This varies by school; for instance, the School of Theater, Film, and Television typically requires a much higher threshold of around 3.935 for the same distinction.
Does UCLA round up GPAs for Latin honors?
No, UCLA does not round GPAs for honors eligibility. If the cutoff for Summa Cum Laude is 3.985 and a student has a 3.984, they will be awarded Magna Cum Laude. The thresholds are strict and carried out to three decimal places.
Can transfer students get Latin honors at UCLA?
Yes, transfer students are eligible for Latin honors provided they complete at least 90 quarter units at the University of California, with at least 72 of those units taken for a letter grade. Their community college GPA is not factored into the honors calculation.
Is there a difference between the Dean’s Honors List and Latin honors?
Yes, the Dean’s Honors List is a quarterly recognition for students who achieve a high GPA (usually 3.75+ depending on the school) while taking at least 12 graded units. Latin honors are a one-time recognition awarded at the time of graduation based on the entire UC cumulative GPA.
How do I get my gold honors cord for graduation?
Gold honors cords are typically available for purchase at the UCLA Store (Lu Valle Commons or the Ackerman Union) for students who meet the GPA cutoffs based on their most recently completed quarter. Verification is usually handled via a printout of the student's unofficial transcript or Degree Audit Report.
Do graduate students receive Latin honors?
No, Latin honors (Cum Laude, etc.) are strictly undergraduate distinctions at UCLA. Graduate and professional students (Masters, PhD, MD, JD) may receive other awards, such as "Honors," "Highest Honors," or specific departmental citations, but they do not receive Latin honors.
If you are a student graduating in 2026, ensure you regularly check your Degree Audit Report via MyUCLA. Achieving Latin honors at a top-tier institution like UCLA is a significant milestone that can enhance your resume for graduate school applications and competitive employment opportunities. Stay focused on your graded unit requirements and maintain your academic momentum through your final quarters.
