College grads are often hit with unexpected expenses as they prepare to walk across that stage to get their diploma. At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, students not only have to shell out for the required regalia but also pay a hefty $120 commencement fee per degree or credential program. Meanwhile, over at California State University, Dominguez Hills, students are looking at a $90 graduation application fee. And the costs don’t stop there, folks!

The fees cover the evaluation process that determines if students have met all the requirements to graduate and earn their degree, as well as the printing and mailing of the diploma. But wait, there’s more! Portions of the fees can also go towards putting on the commencement ceremony, although that’s not their main purpose. So basically, you’re paying for the whole shebang, whether you like it or not. And if you want to participate in the ceremony, you better be ready to fork over more cash for the campus-approved regalia. It’s all part of the game, my friends.

But fear not, my fellow broke college students! There are ways to navigate this sea of expenses without drowning in debt. Some students are turning to grassroots solutions to find affordable options for their graduation attire. At CSU Dominguez Hills, where the regalia is as basic as it gets (think all-black gown and cap), students are opting out of the pricey bookstore options and heading straight to Amazon or third-party sellers. Why pay $131.50 for a basic regalia pack when you can snag one online for 20 bucks? It’s a no-brainer, really. And let’s not forget about the power of social media. Reddit and other platforms are becoming hotspots for students to connect with alumni and peers who are willing to part ways with their gently-used regalia for a fraction of the cost. It’s like a virtual thrift store, but for graduation gear.

But wait, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon! At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the Grad Gown Reuse program is making waves, offering students a sustainable solution to the one-time purchase model. Started in 2022, the program allows students to donate their graduation gowns instead of letting them gather dust in their closets. Carina Ballek, a senior majoring in environmental earth and soil science at Cal Poly, is part of the Green Campus team that spearheaded this initiative. With the help of the Educational Opportunity Program, they received a donation of 90 gowns to kickstart the program. And guess what? The gowns are flying off the shelves (figuratively speaking, of course). There’s more demand than supply, so they’re calling on students to step up and donate their gowns to keep the cycle going. It’s a win-win situation — students get to save money, and the planet gets a break from all those gowns piling up in landfills. So next time you’re debating whether to drop some serious cash on a graduation gown, remember that there are alternatives out there. Who knew being eco-friendly could also save you a few bucks?