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 on
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 4:30 pm,
at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York.
Invitations to attend the ceremony were sent out to approved students. Reminders are being sent, via email, on an ongoing basis.
If you are expected to graduate, and haven't received an invitation, please reach out to commencement@sps.cuny.edu.
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 April 15, 2026.
Order by April 17, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern
Summer 2026 Grads: Apply by August 1, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern
Semester You Complete Your Final Coursework |
Filing Deadline to Submit Application to Graduate |
Award Date for Your Degree or Certificate |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026* |
August 1, 2026 |
September 1, 2026 |
Spring 2026 |
March 6, 2026 |
June 1, 2026 |
Winter 2026** |
November 1, 2025 |
February 1, 2026 |
Fall 2025 |
November 1, 2025 |
January 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.
**The filing date has been changed from January 15, 2026 to November 1, 2025.
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 |
$37.00- $77.00 |
Includes gown, cap, tassel* |
|
Required |
Master's Cap & Gown Package (Regalia) |
$65.00-$104.00 |
Includes gown, cap, tassel, & hood* |
Event Related |
Parking/ Public Transportation |
$3.00-$75.00* |
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 |
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.
**Pricing varies upon location and mode of transportation.