Commencement Fee
Commencement Fee for 2024-2025
The Commencement Fee amount for Academic Year 2024-2025 is $120, and will be charged only one time for each Cal Poly degree or credential program.
The Commencement Fee is automatically charged one time to all undergraduate students once they reach an Expected Academic Progress (EAP) level that is equal to or greater than 75% of their degree completion requirements. Graduate students will be charged during their first or subsequent term of enrollment. The fee is applicable to all degree programs including Extended Education programs.
Commencement is an integral representation of a student's academic achievements. Whether a student intends to participate in the graduation ceremonies or not, this fee will be charged to their student account and the commencement fee cannot be refunded if the student does not complete their degree.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Commencement Fee
How is the Commencement Fee Charged?
The Commencement Fee will be charged to your student account once for each degree or credential program. The fee will be charged based upon enrollment in the term like Registration and Tuition Fees. Undergraduate students will be charged when they reach an Expected Academic Progress (EAP) level that is equal to or greater than 75% of their degree completion requirements. Graduate students will be charged during their first or subsequent term of enrollment. The fee is applicable to all degree programs including Extended Education programs.
When is the Commencement Fee Due?
The Commencement Fee is considered due when charged and past due if not paid within four calendar days with the exception of early fall term registration when some due dates are extended. Students receiving a financial aid award will have the Commencement Fee automatically deferred until the term's aid disbursement date just like Registration and Tuition Fees. Financial aid can apply/pay this fee.
Is the Commencement Fee Eligible for Financial Aid?
Yes, the Commencement Fee is eligible for financial aid and automatically deferred for financial aid recipients like Registration and Tuition Fees. Students may request additional financial aid consideration to pay the Commencement Fee. The financial aid provided may be additional student or parent loan funds.
Students having difficulty in paying the Commencement Fee may apply for a Cal Poly Cares Emergency Grant showing financial need by completing the application found online at http://www.studentaffairs.calpoly.edu/priorities/care-program .
Is the Commencement Fee Refundable?
The Commencement Fee is not refundable. If a student does not complete their degree or withdraws from Cal Poly no refunds will be awarded.
If a student withdraws from the same term in which the Commencement Fee is charged and the withdrawal date is before the term start date, the fee will be reversed then re-charged in the next term the student registers. If the withdrawal date is on or after the term start date, the fee does not reverse and is not subject to proration.
Do Fee Waivers or Veteran Benefits Apply to the Commencement Fee?
No, the Commencement Fee is not waived by fee waivers such as Cal Vet Dependent, CSU Employee or Dependents, or Allan Pattee. The Commencement Fee is not included in Registration and Tuition Fees amounts certified for Veteran Benefits.
How Do I Obtain Additional Information About Commencement Ceremonies and Related Services?
For additional information, please visit the Commencement website at http://commencement.calpoly.edu/ or contact the Commencement Office at 805-756-1600 or commencement@calpoly.edu
What is the Expected Academic Progress (EAP) Policy?
Please visit 'Academic Progress Frequently Asked Questions' at http://polydata.calpoly.edu/content/expected-academic-progress-faq for the answer to this question and additional information about EAP.
Important Notice Regarding Fee Amounts
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 – 66028.6 of the Education Code).
Any estimated costs on this page does not include books, other learning materials, or other costs of attendance not itemized herein. Please visit the Financial Aid Office Cost of Attendance web page for an estimate of additional costs of attendance incurred outside of the student account.
