
At Liberty University, students who have earned 60 or more credit hours and have a GPA of 3.95 and above are eligible to graduate summa cum laude. These students are recognized at the commencement ceremony with gold cords. Students who have earned fewer than 60 hours at Liberty must meet a higher GPA standard of 3.9 to 4.0 to graduate summa cum laude.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cumulative GPA range | 3.95 – 4.00 |
| Graduation honor | Summa Cum Laude |
| Honors cord color | Gold |
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What You'll Learn
- Summa Cum Laude requires a GPA of 3.95 or higher
- Students with a 3.95-4.00 GPA graduate with high distinction
- Summa Cum Laude graduates receive gold cords and medallions
- Students with fewer than 60 credit hours need a GPA of 3.95 or above
- Bachelor's students with 60+ hours must meet GPA standards for honours

Summa Cum Laude requires a GPA of 3.95 or higher
At Liberty University, Summa Cum Laude requires a GPA of 3.95 or higher. This is the highest level of academic distinction at the university. The specific honour is calculated on April 1st, and this is what the student will wear for commencement ceremonies. However, it's important to note that the final cumulative GPA will be recorded when the degree is conferred, and this final GPA will determine the honour printed on the diploma and transcript.
To achieve Summa Cum Laude at Liberty University, students must maintain a consistently high GPA throughout their studies. The GPA, or grade point average, is calculated by dividing the quality points earned by the semester hours attempted (also known as quality hours). This cumulative GPA includes all coursework completed at the student's academic level, regardless of any breaks in enrollment or changes in program or major. Only courses taken at Liberty University are used in the calculation.
To put this into context, a student with a GPA of 3.95 or higher is considered to be graduating with high distinction. This is a remarkable achievement and reflects a strong academic performance. Students who achieve this level of academic excellence are typically high-achieving individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to their studies.
It's worth noting that there are different requirements for different types of students at Liberty University. For example, associate degree students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher will receive honours at commencement, but this is a lower threshold than for Summa Cum Laude. Similarly, there are separate requirements for residential students seeking to graduate with honours in the University Honours Program.
Achieving Summa Cum Laude at Liberty University is a significant accomplishment that recognises exceptional academic performance. Students who attain this honour have consistently earned high grades across their coursework and demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to their studies.
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Students with a 3.95-4.00 GPA graduate with high distinction
At Liberty University, a student's cumulative GPA is calculated using all coursework completed at the current academic level, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. This calculation is made irrespective of prior degree conferral, broken enrollment, or changes to the student's program or major. The GPA is determined by dividing the quality points earned by the semester hours attempted (also referred to as GPA hours).
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.95–4.00 graduate with high distinction at Liberty University. This distinction is denoted by gold medallions at commencement ceremonies and is recorded on the student's diploma and transcript.
To put this GPA range into context, it is useful to understand the general expectations and terminology surrounding GPAs. In the context of graduation honours, a GPA of 3.5 or above is often considered outstanding and can lead to special distinctions. Typically, students with GPAs ranging from 3.5 to 3.7 graduate cum laude (with distinction, praise, or honour), those with GPAs from 3.7 to 3.9 graduate magna cum laude (with great praise), and those with a GPA of 3.9 or higher graduate summa cum laude (with highest praise).
It is important to note that while a high GPA is advantageous, it does not guarantee admission to competitive graduate programs. Other factors, such as extracurricular activities, work experience, and recommendation letters, are also considered in admissions decisions. Additionally, some institutions and programs may have varying definitions of what constitutes a "low" GPA, with highly selective universities often considering anything below a 3.0 GPA as below standard.
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Summa Cum Laude graduates receive gold cords and medallions
At Liberty University, graduation honours are determined by the student's cumulative grade point average (GPA). A student's GPA is calculated by dividing the quality points earned by the semester hours attempted. The cumulative GPA comprises all coursework completed at the current academic level, including prior degree conferral, broken enrollment, or a program/major change.
Summa Cum Laude graduates at Liberty University receive gold cords and medallions. To be awarded Summa Cum Laude, students must achieve a GPA of 3.95 or above. This is the highest level of honours available, with the next levels being Magna Cum Laude and Cum Laude.
The colour of the honour cord received at graduation varies by institution. Gold is the most common colour to signify honours, and at Liberty University, it is used to represent the highest distinction. Summa Cum Laude graduates are often recognised by name during graduation ceremonies, and the honour cord serves as a token of their achievement. The cord can be double or braided, setting the graduate apart and signifying their academic honours.
At Liberty University, students who have earned fewer than 60 hours must meet the following GPA standards: 3.60-3.76 for Cum Laude (red cords), 3.77-3.94 for Magna Cum Laude (blue cords), and 3.95 and above for Summa Cum Laude (gold cords). For students who have earned 60 or more hours, the GPA requirements are higher, with Summa Cum Laude requiring a GPA of 3.95-4.00.
In addition to the honour cords, Summa Cum Laude graduates at Liberty University also receive gold medallions. This distinction is calculated on April 1st, and the specific honour is what the student will wear for the commencement ceremonies. However, the final cumulative GPA will determine the honour printed on the diploma and transcript.
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Students with fewer than 60 credit hours need a GPA of 3.95 or above
At Liberty University, students with fewer than 60 credit hours must have a GPA of 3.95 or above to graduate summa cum laude. This is a high academic distinction, and students who achieve this honour will wear gold cords at the commencement ceremony.
The number of credit hours completed at the university is an important factor in determining the graduation honours a student may receive. Students who have earned fewer than 60 credit hours must meet specific GPA standards to receive honours. These students' final cumulative GPA will be determined after all grades have been recorded, and this final GPA will be used to determine the specific honour printed on their diploma and transcript.
The specific honour calculated on or around April 1 of the student's graduation year will be printed in the commencement program, and the student will wear the corresponding honour cord at the ceremony. For students with fewer than 60 credit hours, a GPA of 3.60-3.76 will earn them cum laude honours (red cords), while a GPA of 3.77-3.94 will result in magna cum laude honours (blue cords).
However, students with 60 or more credit hours earned at Liberty University must meet different GPA standards to earn academic distinctions. These students' graduation honours will also be determined by their cumulative GPA, but the specific GPA ranges for each honour level are not explicitly mentioned.
Overall, while the exact number of students graduating summa cum laude at Liberty University is not readily available, the university's honours system recognises and celebrates the academic achievements of its students, with those attaining a GPA of 3.95 or above being awarded the high distinction of summa cum laude.
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Bachelor's students with 60+ hours must meet GPA standards for honours
At Liberty University, a student's cumulative GPA is calculated using all coursework completed at the current academic level, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. This GPA is calculated to the hundredths place and is not rounded. For undergraduate students, only courses taken at Liberty are used to compute the GPA.
For bachelor's students who have earned 60 or more hours at Liberty University, the following GPA standards must be met to earn the corresponding academic distinction:
- Cum Laude: GPA of 3.60–3.76
- Magna Cum Laude: GPA of 3.77–3.94
- Summa Cum Laude: GPA of 3.95 and above
These students must meet the GPA standards for honours, with the specific honour calculated as of April 1st. This honour is what the student will wear for commencement ceremonies. However, the final cumulative GPA will be recorded when the degree is conferred, and this final GPA will determine the honour printed on the diploma and transcript.
For example, a student with a GPA of 3.95–4.00 will graduate with high distinction, signified by a gold medallion.
It is important to note that graduation honours are not applicable to certificate-seeking students, and students who have been granted academic amnesty are also not eligible for graduation honours.
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