As CSUN seniors prepare to walk across the stage this spring, regalia alone could cost anywhere from $217 to more than $900, depending on their degree and whether they rent or purchase.
This year’s graduating class will introduce updated regalia, featuring red striping and CSUN lettering on the sleeves.
The Office of Student Development and Transitional Programs (SDTP), which oversees commencement, said that while official CSUN regalia is recommended, students may still wear traditional all-black gowns.
Herff Jones is listed on the university’s commencement website as the official regalia provider for Spring 2026.
Students may either purchase individual regalia items or rent a package that includes a cap, gown and tassel. Higher-tier rental options include additional items such as announcements, envelope seals, return address labels and a stage clip recording.
Regalia can be shipped to students’ homes for an additional fee or picked up at the campus store beginning May 4.
For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, the cost of regalia totals approximately $409.85 before tax, including a $60.70 cap and a $349.15 gown. Rental packages start at $217 and can reach $450, depending on bundled add-ons.
Students graduating with a master’s degree face higher costs due to the required academic hood. Purchasing regalia totals $606.80 before tax, while rental packages range from $264 to nearly $500.
Doctoral regalia carries the highest price point. Purchasing a gown, hood and tam totals more than $900 before tax, while rental packages start at approximately $308 and increase with bundled accessories.
In 2013, the most expensive graduation package cost $383.80, with rental-only options available at lower price points, according to a Daily Sundial report. At the time, purchasing regalia outright was not an option, but vendor structures and pricing models have shifted over the years.
Adriana Field, a graduating senior majoring in communication studies, said she plans to rent her regalia rather than purchase it outright since she won’t need it after graduation.
“I know costs are rising everywhere, but it can be hard for students as we have a limited budget,” she said.
Field added that she intends to purchase a sarape graduation stole from an independent vendor rather than from the official regalia packages offered at GradFest.
While official regalia is coordinated through the Campus Store and Herff Jones, decorative stoles and other non-required accessories are often available from independent sellers or cultural organizations. However, required items must align with commencement standards.
“My advice would be to price items elsewhere and see if you can get them at a cheaper price,” Field said.
For students looking to reduce expenses, rental options offer a lower upfront cost than purchasing. Picking up regalia on campus instead of choosing home delivery can also eliminate shipping fees. Students may also consider limiting optional add-ons, such as announcement bundles or premium package upgrades.
The university’s commencement resources page outlines regalia requirements and purchasing procedures for graduating students.
GradFest was held March 11 and 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Campus Store Complex. Students who missed GradFest can still purchase and rent graduation regalia online through Herff Jones.
