Degrees with distinction are awarded on the basis of rank in class. Students who have completed at least 58 credits in residence, at least 45 of which are "graded" (A+ to D-), and rank in the top 3% of their class are recommended for a degree "with highest distinction." Those students who rank in the top 10% of their class but not in the top 3% are recommended for a degree "with high distinction." Those students who rank in the top 25% of their class but not in the top 10% are recommended for a degree "with distinction." A notation is made on the diploma and the transcript. The GPA ranges for the distinction notations are determined each May, based on the cumulative GPAs of LSA graduates of the May degree period. Those same numbers, then, are used for the August and December degree periods of that calendar year.

LSA awards students who are ranked in the top 25%, 10%, and 3% of their class with distinction on their transcripts and diplomas.  The top 25% will be awarded “distinction,” the top 10% with “high distinction,” and the top 3% with “highest distinction.”  The GPA range for distinction is determined on the cumulative GPAs of the LSA May graduating class and is subject to change every year based on the GPAs of the May class.  If you graduate in December or August, the GPA range for distinction will be based off the preceding May graduating class.  Distinction is usually determined by the second week of June. 

May, August and December 2007 graduates:
Higest Distinction:  3.930 - 4.000
High Distinction:  3.821 - 3.929
Distinction:  3.649 - 3.820

May, August and December 2006 graduates:
Higest Distinction:  3.925 - 4.000
High Distinction:  3.819 - 3.924
Distinction:  3.671 - 3.818

May, August, and December 2005 graduates:
Highest Distinction: 3.917 - 4.000
High Distinction: 3.794 - 3.916
Distinction: 3.621 - 3.793

May, August, and December 2004 graduates:
Highest Distinction: 3.920 - 4.000
High Distinction: 3.782 - 3.919
Distinction: 3.593 - 3.781

May, August, and December 2003 graduates:
Highest Distinction: 3.908 - 4.000
High Distinction: 3.768 - 3.907
Distinction: 3.584 - 3.767

May, August, and December 2002 graduates:
Highest Distinction: 3.907 - 4.000
High Distinction: 3.771 - 3.906
Distinction: 3.598 - 3.770

May, August, and December 2001 graduates:
Highest Distinction: 3.908 - 4.000
High Distinction: 3.775 - 3.907
Distinction: 3.574 - 3.774

May, August, and December 2000 graduates:
Highest Distinction: 3.889 to 4.000
High Distinction: 3.755 to 3.888
Distinction: 3.551 to 3.754

May, August, and December 1999 graduates:
Highest Distinction: 3.907 to 4.000
High Distinction: 3.778 to 3.906
Distinction: 3.582 to 3.777