When Is College Graduation?
As the academic year comes to a close, college graduations loom around the corner, sending everyone, students and faculty alike, into a frenzy. This is a pivotal milestone in the life of any student, a time when family and friends visit campus to celebrate all of your accomplishments—a time to revel in your hard work, and most importantly, to be proud of yourself. But in the midst of the pre-graduation festivities, it's easy to forget what day graduation falls on, which is what brings me here today!
This article explores everything you need to know about college graduations, like:
- When graduation is
- Key dates for colleges around the country
- What this day means for early or late graduates
Plus, some extra tips that can help you prepare for your big day. Graduation marks the end of your education, and I know just how important this is for everyone, loved ones included. With just a few weeks until you walk across that stage, it's time to help you get ready for graduation 2025.
When Is College Graduation?
College graduations are huge events for graduating students, marking the end of their academic journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Graduation ceremonies typically take place in late May or early June, with the specific date depending on each institution and university.
Around this time of the academic year, students can expect to participate in unique traditions surrounding graduation, depending on the school. These include socials, dinners, or exclusive events to celebrate the graduating class. Graduating students can also expect to participate in graduation-related events leading up to graduation day, like rehearsals and receptions.
College graduation ceremonies happen twice a year: in spring or fall/winter semesters.
Spring Commencement
We have the spring graduation, typically in May. A spring graduation is the completion of the spring semester, which is the final academic term for most graduating students. These ceremonies are often held on weekends in early to mid-May.
Fall/Winter Graduation Ceremonies
While spring is the primary college graduation season, many institutions also hold fall or winter commencements in December. These commencements are for students who finish their degree requirements at the end of the fall semester. Fall commencements are usually smaller than spring commencements.
In the case that you want to preserve your diploma, I advise investing in diploma covers to keep your seal of accomplishment in mint condition!
Recommended Reading: How long is graduation?
Graduation Dates 2025
Generally, college graduation ceremonies take place during the weekend, like on a Saturday. However, some institutions may hold ceremonies during the week. Let's check out this year's 2025 graduation schedule according to major colleges around the country.
East Coast:
- New York University: May 15, 2025
- Columbia University: May 21, 2025
- Pace University: May 19, 2025 (undergraduate) and May 20, 2025 (graduate)
- Johns Hopkins University: May 22, 2025
- Harvard University: May 29, 2025
- Yale University: May 19, 2025
- Princeton University: May 27, 2025
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): May 29–30, 2025
- Rutgers University: May 18, 2025
- Florida State University: May 2–3, 2025
- University of Florida: May 2–4, 2025
- University of Tampa: May 10, 2025
- University of Miami: May 8–10, 2025
- Georgia State University: May 7–9, 2025
Central:
- Texas A&M University: May 8–9, 2025
- The University of Texas at Austin: May 10, 2025
- Tulane University: May 16–17, 2025
- University of Tennessee: May 16–17, 2025
- Vanderbilt University: May 9, 2025
- Arizona State University: May 10–12, 2025
- Louisiana State University: May 16–17, 2025
- University of Kentucky: May 9–10, 2025
West Coast:
- Stanford University: June 15, 2025
- University of Southern California (USC): May 15, 2025
- Loyola Marymount University (LMU): May 17–18, 2025
- Santa Clara University: June 14, 2025
- University of Washington: June 14, 2025
- Reed College: May 19, 2025
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): June 12-15, 2025
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): June 14, 2025
And many more! Students should always check with their institution for specific dates and details regarding their graduation ceremony, as they can land anywhere between Friday and Monday. For spring graduates, Memorial Day weekend is a popular weekend for graduation ceremonies.
Please note: Tickets may be required to purchase to attend your ceremony, and time restrictions may apply. For example, doors may open at a specific time, like 5:30 PM. I highly recommend arriving early to avoid being denied entry once the ceremony starts.
College Graduation Announcements
It's important to know that colleges release graduation dates months in advance, usually on the school calendar or in the newsletter available on their websites. Once posted, students should:
- Check the registrar’s office for specific dates.
- Look for cap and gown ordering dates, senior week events, and graduation rehearsal schedules.
Schools also send email announcements or post graduation updates on student portals.
Graduation Events
Most schools hold graduation events and activities leading up to the day, like department-specific ceremonies, receptions, and other celebrations, including dance and music. These events are meant for students to stay engaged in school festivities, as well as give students a chance to have some fun.
Liberal arts colleges, law schools, and pharmacy schools may have their own unique traditions and customs that reflect their specific field of study, so make sure you know what events pertain to your specific degree program.
These schools also have specific traditions and customs surrounding graduation, including the wearing of regalia, the presentation of diplomas, and the participation of notable guests, such as the president or other dignitaries.
To be safe, students should keep their notifications on for any school updates or specific details about graduation events, which may include opportunities to meet with faculty, receive awards/recognition, and participate in other activities.
Finishing Your Degree Early or Late
Now, graduation can get a little tricky for students who either graduate early or later than expected, but they still graduate nonetheless! Here's how it works:
Early Graduating Students
For students who complete their coursework in less time than the average required semesters:
- Students may graduate in December, or sometimes in August if the school offers a summer graduation. However, depending on the school, early graduates may still be able to choose to participate in the spring graduation with their class.
Late Graduating Students
Students who graduate due to unforeseen circumstances, fall behind, or have major changes throughout the school might:
- Finish in the summer and graduate in August, often without a formal ceremony or waiting to walk in the next available ceremony, either in December or the following May.
If you are a student who is falling behind for whatever reason, don't stress. Discover what an incomplete in college means for you.
Tips for Preparing for Graduation
Whether you're graduating this semester or next year, graduation is still a big deal, and can easily sneak up on you if you're not prepared, so I've gathered some tips that can keep you focused while you're on your way to graduation:
- Check-In: Meet with your academic advisor regularly to ensure you’re on pace to graduate. I cannot stress this enough: USE YOUR RESOURCES.
- Stay on Track: Check your degree progress and keep track of your completed credits to make sure you are on track to graduating.
- Stay Ahead: Apply for graduation as early as you can, ideally as early as your school announces graduation dates.
- Don't Delay: Order your cap, gown, and announcements ahead of time.
- Spread the Word: Tell family and friends when your graduation is well in advance—graduation weekend can mean crowded hotels and high travel costs.
- Plan for the Future: job search, graduate school, or other post-college plans.
Graduation isn't just a significant milestone for students—colleges and universities take this season to celebrate the collective effort of staff and faculty, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for graduating students.
Graduation Reminders
Because I know how hectic graduation season can get, it's important to leave you with key reminders for graduation. Graduating students should confirm their graduation details, including the date, time, and location of their ceremony, with their institution’s website or communication department.
Graduating students can expect to receive information about the ceremony, including details about seating, parking, and items that are prohibited or required.
Students should also learn about the schedule of events leading up to graduation, including rehearsals, receptions, and other activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Graduation
When is college graduation?
Graduation ceremonies typically take place in late May or early June, but that depends on each institution and university. Most undergraduate colleges will have graduation between May 5 and May 20.
What if you finish your degree early or late?
For students who are complete their degree early or later than the average, depending on the school, early graduates may graduate in December, or sometimes in August if the school offers a summer graduation; late graduates may finish in the summer and graduate in August without a formal or wait to walk in the next available ceremony—either Fall or Spring.
What are some ways to prepare for graduation?
To keep your head in the game leading up to graduation, you can prepare by checking in with your academic advisor on a regular basis to ensure you’re on pace to graduate, check your degree progress, apply for graduation as early as you can, along with purchasing your cap, gown, and announcements ahead of time and even planning ahead for your future by job searching, considering graduate school, or other post-college plans.
Interested in learning more? Check out our scholarship blog to read more about everything you need to know pertaining to college!