You've finished your research, successfully defended your paper and your graduation or commencement is just around the corner. Hooray! But the "buck," as they say, doesn't stop here. How much will your graduate commencement cost you?
While doing a brief, unofficial survey of various university and academic regalia web sites across the U.S. this week, I discovered that the costs of graduate commencement can really add up. How much you ask? You might be surprised!
Typical costs for university graduation and all the entrapments varied tremendously:
- academic regalia (cap and gown) $20 - $40 U.S.
- hood $20 - $40 U.S.
- class ring $250 - $500
- photo packages $20 - $150
- announcements (25 with envelopes) $40 - $75
- yearbook $60 - $100 and
- graduation fee (yes, you may actually have to pay a fee to graduate) $25 - $100
You'll note, my list does not include any estimate for an after graduation dinner or party. Whoo! And you'd just written the check for your final tuition and fee payment for the semester...
To those of you still struggling with the decision of whether to walk the stage or not, I say grab that golden ring! You've worked really hard for a long time. You deserve the opportunity to cross the stage, have your professor/Dean shake your hand and/or "hood" you. Where there's a will, there's a way!
Congratulations! You've made it!
