With the school year coming to an end and graduation being right around the corner for some, the excitement of reaching this milestone is often accompanied by the financial realities of celebrating it.

One of the most substantial expenses students encounter is professional graduation photos. While capturing this event is important, the average cost of an hour-long session is around $400 on average, making it a luxury for many students. The Associated Student Productions (ASP) offered free graduation photos for the past two years, and students interviewed by the STAR last year enjoyed this event, as some of them related that they would not have been able to afford professional shots otherwise. However, the event did not get reconducted this year.  

The cap and gown, an iconic symbol of graduation, also comes with a price tag. A standard package including the cap, gown and tassel can be rented by students for $61.25, according to the Herff and Jones official website that partnered with the bookstore for graduation purchases. Hailey Childress, a fourth-year in communications and media studies major, was surprised that she could only keep the cap and tassel for the price of this package. Childress said, “When I purchased my graduation package through Herffjones.com, I did not realize I was purchasing a package that includes a rental gown. I was under the impression that the cost I was paying was for the outright purchase of everything in the package. If I had known this, I likely would have sourced the gown elsewhere.”

Additionally, for those who want to show their achievements with special cords or stoles, the cost can escalate even more. Stoles alone cost $50 each, so for those wanting the regular blue piece and another one, such as the first generation for example, another $100 needs to be considered in the budget. Cords can add additional expenses, as they are sold for $20 at the bookstore. For students receiving an honor and a distinction, it will add an extra $40. Some students discussed the fact that the school should have a flat fee whether you get one or multiple cords, which would feel more like the reward that they deserve and less like an additional cost burden.

Comparatively, Sonoma grad packages are perceived as more expensive than those at other Cal State Universities. Alejandra Vasquez, a fourth-year biology major said, “I was just surprised seeing the SSU the packages and noticing what you get from it compared to other Cal states. I saw some who had cheaper packages and also saw that their caps and gowns have their school name and year that they are graduating.”

 According to the Long Beach university bookstore, their tassel costs $10 while their caps and gown package, which are personalized with the school name, are sold for $49. The prices are even lower for Sacramento state as their bookstore sells the caps, tassels and gowns for $33.75 and the stole for $29.

Additionally, for those wishing to frame their diploma or commemorate their achievements with a class ring, the costs can get even higher. Official diploma frames sold at the university bookstore can cost anywhere from $165 to $289, depending on the design chosen. Class rings can range from $399 to $629, depending on the customization chosen. Vasquez thought of getting a class ring as she got one after graduating high school, but said that they are too expensive now and will probably pass on it.

While some of those costs seem optional, it can still present a hardship for those coming from a lower socioeconomic background that want to celebrate their achievements like their peers. Vasquez said, “I need to wait until my next paychecks in order to make the purchases for the last of my things. The only problem is getting paid once a month from the school so to get my things I just hope to get everything on time.” Childress also emphasized on the high cost of graduation, especially for some peers. She said, “It makes me wonder how many students will decide not to walk at Commencement because they could not afford the uniform.”