Graduation Distinctions

All candidates for graduation participate without consideration of their final semester grades. Therefore, the commencement program will list distinctions based upon the previous fall grade point average.

Graduation Distinctions for Undergraduates Only

Loyola Student With No Transfer Work

For the cum laude distinction, a student's cumulative average must be 3.5; magna cum laude, 3.7; and summa cum laude, 3.9.

Loyola Student With Transfer Work

For transfer students who complete 60 or more Loyola quality hours, the distinction will be based solely on the Loyola cumulative grade point average. For transfer students who complete fewer than 60 Loyola cumulative quality hours, the distinction will be based on two factors: 1) the Loyola cumulative grade point average; and 2) the combined grade point average of the coursework taken at Loyola and transfer institutions. If the lower of the two averages is 3.5, the distinction will be cum laude; if the lower of the two is 3.7, magna cum laude; and if the lower is 3.9, summa cum laude.

Students Admitted Via Special Evaluation

Students who have been granted a special evaluation must have completed 60 or more Loyola quality hours to be considered for graduation distinctions. Distinctions will be based on the student's Loyola coursework only. Therefore, for the cum laude distinction, a student's Loyola cumulative average must be 3.5; magna cum laude, 3.7; and summa cum laude, 3.9.

College of Law Graduation Distinctions

Loyola Student With No Transfer Work

For the cum laude distinction, a student's cumulative average must be 3.4; magna cum laude, 3.6; and summa cum laude, 3.8.

Loyola Student With Transfer Work

For transfer students, the distinction will be based solely on the Loyola cumulative grade point average. Therefore, for the cum laude distinction, a student's Loyola cumulative average must be 3.4; magna cum laude, 3.6; and summa cum laude, 3.8.

Distinction Cords

Students graduating with honors receive their official distinction cords compliments of the university. The bookstore will issue distinction cords along with regalia as follows:

Gold cords - summa cum laude
Silver cords - magna cum laude
Bronze cords - cum laude