WKU Graduation Regalia Costs Rise With New Vendor

Graduating WKU students will pay more for regalia under the new Herff Jones partnership, though some may qualify for limited SGA waivers.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Financial Aid

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a black mortarboard cap with a gold tassel resting on a folded black gown against a cream background. — Western Kentucky University graduates will pay more for regalia under its new Herff Jones vendor, though 15 SGA cost waivers were secured for winter and spring ceremonies. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Western Kentucky University (WKU) has switched its graduation regalia vendor to Herff Jones, and the new pricing has raised costs for graduating students. The Student Government Association (SGA) secured 15 regalia cost waivers for winter and spring graduation ceremonies to help offset the expense.

Why it matters

Graduation regalia is an out-of-pocket cost that many students must cover before walking the stage, so a price increase lands directly on the budget of those finishing their degrees. The change came as WKU moved away from its prior vendor, Jostens, to a provider that allows more personal customization.

A bachelor's cap and gown costs $80 on its own, and full bachelor's packages may cost more than $400, compared with $55 for undergraduate regalia through the previous vendor Jostens. Master's regalia costs $106, and SGA secured 15 waivers in total, with five for winter graduation and 10 for spring.

The players

Western Kentucky University (WKU)

A public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, whose graduation regalia pricing is changing with its new vendor.

Herff Jones

A graduation regalia provider that outfits several universities and offers more personal customization than its predecessor.

Jostens

WKU's previous graduation regalia vendor, which supplied undergraduate regalia at $55.

Student Government Association (SGA) at WKU

The WKU student body government that secured 15 regalia cost waivers for winter and spring graduation.

The details

WKU selected Herff Jones as its new vendor for student and faculty regalia, and the university says the partnership is meant to keep regalia consistent in design, color, and quality. Students can pick up their regalia at the on-campus graduation fair or have it shipped to their home. Students whose regalia differs noticeably in color or style will be advised to purchase an official Herff Jones cap and gown on-site. SGA is treating this year as essentially a pilot, and the process should give the group a basis to push for expanding the waiver program later.

Winter graduation: SGA waivers cover regalia costs for five students.
Spring graduation: SGA waivers cover regalia costs for 10 students.

Education Landscape

Graduation regalia is a recurring cost that sits alongside tuition, fees, and other expenses that accumulate for students near the end of their degrees. WKU's move from a $55 undergraduate price under Jostens to a vendor with higher costs shows how small institutional decisions can add to what students pay to finish.

Students graduating from WKU should budget for regalia costs, which can reach $80 for a cap and gown alone and more than $400 for a full bachelor's package. Students may ask their school's financial-aid or student affairs office whether waivers or payment options are available before ordering.

The takeaway

Regalia pricing is a cost that can catch graduating students off guard, so checking the price early and asking about waivers can help. Students who expect a cost change may want to contact the financial-aid office or SGA to learn what support is available.