College graduation is supposed to be a time of celebration, but for many California students, it’s more like a financial gut punch. With regalia costs soaring and fees multiplying faster than student debt, our state’s smartest scholars are getting creative about cutting corners.

Thrifty Graduation Tactics

Imagine paying over $100 just to wear a fancy costume for a few hours , welcome to the wild world of graduation expenses. Students across California State University campuses are fighting back against these ridiculous fees by developing guerrilla-style money-saving strategies.

Some are turning to social media marketplaces like Facebook and Reddit, where alumni generously offload their dusty graduation gear. Others are joining campus organizations that fundraise specifically to help seniors afford their commemorative swag. At CSU Dominguez Hills, the Latino Student Business Association even partners with local restaurants to raise money for graduation stoles.

Sustainability Meets Savings

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is pioneering a genius solution with their Grad Gown Reuse program. Students can now donate their gowns after graduation, creating a sustainable cycle that saves both money and landfill space. “Graduates don’t have full-time jobs yet and would rather not spend $90-$100 on a gown,” says program intern Carina Ballek.

The Real Cost of Celebration

For many students, these graduation expenses aren’t just an inconvenience , they’re a genuine financial barrier. Some are skipping meals, borrowing from friends, or working extra shifts just to afford a one-time outfit. The message is clear: higher education’s final hurdle shouldn’t be a financial obstacle course.

So here’s to the innovative students turning graduation price gouging into a problem of the past , one borrowed cap and gown at a time.