Definition · Plain-language
Salutatorian
A salutatorian is the second-ranked student in a graduating class, traditionally honoured by delivering the opening salutation at commencement.
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Where the term comes from
Salutatorian derives from the Latin “salutare”, meaning “to greet” or “to salute”. The honour, like that of valedictorian, originated in American education and is most common in the United States. The salutatorian traditionally opens the commencement ceremony with the salutatory address — a speech of welcome and greeting to the assembled graduates, families and faculty — setting the tone before the valedictorian later delivers the farewell valedictory address that closes proceedings.
How the salutatorian is chosen
The salutatorian is normally the second-highest-ranked member of the graduating class, immediately below the valedictorian. Ranking is calculated from cumulative grade point average, and many schools use a weighted GPA so that demanding courses such as honours, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate count for more. Because the gap between first and second place can be a fraction of a grade point, tie-breakers and course-rigour rules sometimes decide the outcome. As with the valedictorian, selection methods vary by institution.
Salutatorian versus valedictorian
The two honours are a pair, distinguished by rank and by the speech each gives. The valedictorian is first in the class and delivers the valedictory, the farewell address; the salutatorian is second and delivers the salutatory, the opening greeting. Both are prestigious recognitions of sustained academic achievement across a student’s entire programme. Some schools, concerned about hairline-margin competition, have moved away from naming individual top-two students in favour of Latin honours or multiple recognitions.
Key facts
At a glance
- Definition: The second-ranked graduate of a class.
- Origin: Latin “salutare” — to greet.
- Role: Delivers the opening salutatory address at commencement.
- Selected by: Second-highest cumulative GPA / class rank.
- Counterpart: The first-ranked graduate is the valedictorian.
- Region: Chiefly a US tradition.
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: The salutatorian gives the farewell speech at graduation.
Actually: The salutatorian gives the opening salutation, the welcoming address. The closing farewell speech, the valedictory, is delivered by the valedictorian.
Often heard: Salutatorian and valedictorian are interchangeable titles.
Actually: They mark different ranks. The valedictorian is first in the class; the salutatorian is second, just below them.
Often heard: The salutatorian is picked by teachers’ choice rather than grades.
Actually: The salutatorian is normally the second-highest by cumulative GPA or class rank, often using a weighted GPA, rather than a subjective staff selection.
