Every high school graduating class has a valedictorian and salutatorian. Although both are graduation honors and a significant achievement, what makes them different? In simplest terms, a valedictorian ranks first, while a salutatorian follows in second place.
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What Is a Valedictorian?
The title of valedictorian is given to the highest-ranking student with a grade point average of 4.6 or higher in a senior class. Typically, only one student receives this honor. However, a school may have two valedictorians (co-valedictorians) if there is a tie.
During the graduation ceremony, you can spot the valedictorian from other students by their sash and medals. They also deliver a farewell speech in front of the class, faculty, and family.
Fun Fact: Universities often offer a scholarship or financial assistance to a valedictorian. Some colleges even offer automatic admission to jumpstart their college career.
What Is a Salutatorian?
A salutatorian is also a graduating student with a high honor. But unlike a valedictorian, they only achieved the second highest grade point average (3.9 or higher) in a graduating class.
Fun Fact: If two students have the same GPA and are fighting for the position of salutatorian, a school can award them as co-salutatorians.
A salutatorian will also speak in front of the graduation class. However, unlike a valedictorian, they will deliver their speech at the beginning of the ceremony.
Valedictorian vs. Salutatorian: What’s the Difference?
Now that you know what a valedictorian and a salutatorian are, let’s go over their differences in detail. Keep in mind that these honors are typically given at the end of the first semester of the senior year. However, there are some cases in which a school awards the honors during the second semester.
Class Ranking and Final Grades
The key difference between these honors is the class ranking. As we’ve mentioned earlier, a valedictorian has a 4.6 GPA or higher. On the other hand, the title of salutatorian is given to a graduating senior with an average GPA of 3.9 or above.
In short, the valedictorian has the highest cumulative weighted grade point average, whereas a salutatorian has the second-highest grade point average.
Speech
Both a valedictorian and a salutatorian will deliver their speech during the graduation ceremony—the contents of their speeches and when they will deliver them are different, however.
A salutatorian will always go first before the class valedictorian, often at the beginning of the ceremony, welcoming the graduating class, faculty, and loved ones.
Fun Fact: The term salutatorian came from the word salutatory, which means “welcoming” or “salutation.”
Following the salutatorian speech, the valedictorian will then deliver a farewell speech (also referred to as valediction), often filled with reflection, nostalgia, and hopefulness.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the valedictorian and salutatorian are the top two students in the class. The key difference is that the valedictorian has a higher GPA and delivers a farewell speech, whereas the salutatorian has the second highest GPA and gives the welcoming address.
