Congratulations to the Graduates of the CUNY SPS Class of 2026!

Commencement is a treasured milestone, a time to commemorate your accomplishments and herald your future. 
The CUNY School of Professional Studies is delighted to celebrate this momentous occasion with you!

 

CUNY SPS will host our annual Commencement ceremony in the Spring of 2026.
The date, location, and time will be announced in early 2026.

In order to receive an invitation to attend the 2026 Commencement ceremony,
you must submit an
application to graduate no later than March 1, 2026.

Follow the table below to confirm the application deadline for your award date.

The deadline to register to attend the 2026 CUNY SPS Commencement ceremony in person is usually mid-April. 

 

Semester You Complete Your Final Coursework

Filing Deadline to Submit Application to Graduate

Award Date for Your Degree or Certificate

Fall 2025

November 1, 2025

January 1, 2026

Winter 2026

January 15, 2026

February 1, 2026

Spring 2026

March 1, 2026

June 1, 2026

Summer 2026*

August 1, 2026

September 1, 2026

*Students who have no more than two remaining courses to complete their degree requirements at the end of the Spring semester are permitted to participate in Commencement. To do so, the student must be registered for the final course(s) in the Summer term.

Submit Your Application to Graduate
Apply to be the 2026 Student Speaker
Apply to be the 2026 Student Speaker

We know graduation is a big milestone, and there’s a lot to think about as you get ready to celebrate. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the common costs you can expect. Some things, like your cap and gown, are required, while others, like photos or stoles, are totally optional. Use this guide to help you plan ahead and decide what works best for you!

Category

Item

Pricing

Notes

Required

Bachelor's/Certificate Cap & Gown Package (Regalia)

$35.00- $73.00

Includes gown, cap, tassel*

Required

Master's Cap & Gown Package (Regalia)

$62.00-$99.00

Includes gown, cap, tassel, & hood*

Event Related

Parking/ Public Transportation

$3.00-$60.00

The Barclays Center is accessible via LIRR & MTA. You can reserve a spot ahead of commencement using SpotHero or ParkWhiz.

Optional

Custom Stole

$49.00-$109.00

Customize up to 8 Zones

Optional

Affiliation Accessories (stoles and tassels)

$10.00-$53.00

Choose from a variety of meaningful options that represent where you came from and/or your passions.

Optional

Custom Tassel

$4.00- $11.00

Choose from SPS charms to mini keychain tassels.

Optional

Senior Photos

Starting at $39.95

Take senior portraits and/or professional headshots. Can be used in your grad slide. There is a $5 sitting fee.

Optional

Diploma Frames

$175.00-$366.00

High-quality, customizable diploma frames.

Optional

Class Jewelry

$459.00-$619.00

Personalized college class jewelry: rings, bracelets, etc.

Optional

Announcement Packages

$85.00-$208.00

Personalized Announcements, Custom Return Address Labels, Custom Envelope Seals, & Standard Thank You Notes*

Optional

The Commencement Group

$20.00-$80.00

Pre-order Items like: Flowers arrangements, Lei's, Commemorative Graduation T-Shirts and Sweatshirts

*Package inclusions varies depending on customization.