Seniors, don’t forget about the price tag

Kaitlyn Dozier
Editor-in-Chief

Graduation signifies the culmination of years of hard work and is a time to celebrate. However, the overall costs surrounding this event might surprise graduates who are already overwhelmed with impending student loan payments. Though not all items are necessary, for graduates that want to take advantage of all of the offerings, graduation can become pricey:

Cap and Gown: mandatory from VWC, $150
Honor Cords: range from $10-$20 each,
students may wear up to 5
Senior Week ticket: four days of events, $30
Class Ring: averages $400
Diploma Frame: from Bookstore, around $150
Announcements: “Essential Package” from Balfour,
about $140
Official Photos: package from Candid Color, $39.50

Other costs to consider include travel expenses for family members attending the ceremony, the purchase of an outfit that complies with the commencement dress code, graduation party supplies, moving expenses if needed for clearing out dorm rooms, gifts for fellow graduates and other unforeseen expenses.
Though graduation is an event that students will remember for a lifetime, the related expenses might get overlooked in the excitement of the milestone.