What Is the Difference Between Commencement and Graduation?

Graduation season comes with a lot of excitement—and a bit of confusion. You’ll hear people talk about “commencement” and “graduation” like they’re the same thing, but are they really? If you’ve ever wondered what is the difference between commencement and graduation, you’re not alone. These terms get tossed around often, especially when invitations, schedules, and caps and gowns are involved.

Understanding the distinction can help you better plan, celebrate, and know exactly what each moment represents. Whether you’re a student, parent, or guest, this quick guide will clear things up in no time.

Defining Commencement

The word “commencement” may sound formal, but at its core, it simply means “beginning.” In the context of school, commencement refers to the ceremonial celebration marking the completion of academic work. It’s the event with all the fanfare—caps and gowns, speeches from valedictorians and keynote speakers, walking across the stage, and sometimes even a confetti shower.

Commencement is designed to honor students for their hard work and accomplishments. It’s a moment to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. But here’s the key: commencement doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve officially graduated yet. It’s more of a public acknowledgment than a final stamp on your academic record.

Most schools invite graduating students (and sometimes those close to graduating) to participate in commencement exercises. Families attend, photos are taken, and diplomas—or often just diploma covers—are handed out. It’s the highlight of the school year and a chance to celebrate accomplishments in a visible and symbolic way.

Defining Graduation

Graduation, on the other hand, is the official conferral of a degree or diploma. It’s not a ceremony—it’s a status. You’ve met all the requirements set by your school: completed the necessary credits, passed final exams, met GPA standards, and fulfilled any other obligations. Once everything checks out, your school formally declares that you’ve graduated.

Unlike commencement, graduation is usually a behind-the-scenes process handled by the registrar or academic office. It may happen days or even weeks after the commencement ceremony. There’s no music or speeches—just paperwork, transcripts, and a diploma being mailed to your home or picked up in person.

Graduation is what goes on your academic record, shows up on your transcript, and qualifies you for next steps like employment, graduate school, or professional licensure. In many ways, it’s the more critical of the two—even if it doesn’t come with the spotlight.

Key Differences Between Commencement and Graduation

To really understand what sets these two terms apart, it helps to look at their characteristics side by side. Let’s break down the core differences:

Ceremony vs. Certification: Commencement is the public celebration of your academic journey. Graduation is the private, administrative process of confirming that journey is officially complete. One is a party, the other is paperwork.

Symbolic vs. Factual: Commencement is symbolic—it represents your transition from student to graduate, even if your final grades aren’t submitted yet. Graduation is factual—it means all requirements have been satisfied and your degree is officially awarded.

Participation vs. Completion: You can participate in commencement without technically graduating. For example, some students may still have coursework or internships to finish. Conversely, you can graduate without attending commencement if you choose to skip the ceremony.

Timing Differences: Commencement often happens before final grades are due, especially in the spring. Graduation occurs only after all academic reviews are completed. So while commencement might take place in May, you might not be officially graduated until June.

Emotional vs. Formal Importance: Commencement is where tears flow, cameras click, and families cheer. Graduation is where records are finalized, and the diploma becomes real. Both matter—but in different ways.

Can You Walk at Commencement Without Graduating?

Yes—and it happens more often than you might think. Many schools allow students to walk at commencement even if they haven’t fully completed their degree requirements. This could include students who are missing a few credits, still finishing a capstone project, or planning to take summer classes.

Why allow it? Often, it’s about inclusion and timing. Commencement is held once a year, and schools want to give students the chance to celebrate with their peers, especially if they’re only one step away from graduating. It can also be important for families who’ve made travel plans to attend the event.

That said, walking at commencement does not mean you’ve officially graduated. Schools usually require students to petition or get special permission to participate early, and you won’t receive a real diploma until all requirements are completed. It’s important not to confuse the emotional celebration with the academic finish line.

What Comes First—Graduation or Commencement?

This might seem like a trick question, but it’s actually a common point of confusion. Commencement usually comes first, especially in traditional school calendars.

Most schools schedule commencement ceremonies before the semester has officially ended or before final grades are posted. This allows the event to take place while everyone is still on campus and families are available to travel. Because of that, many students walk the stage not knowing their final grades or whether they’ve officially passed every class.

Graduation comes after, once all coursework is graded, transcripts are reviewed, and final academic audits are completed. For spring graduates, this could be weeks after the ceremony. Some schools automatically graduate eligible students, while others require an application to graduate. Either way, your degree isn’t technically awarded until all the paperwork is in order.

So while it may feel like commencement marks the end, graduation is the true conclusion of your academic journey—even if it’s a quieter one.

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding the difference between commencement and graduation isn’t just about semantics—it has real-world implications.

Academic Planning: Knowing where you stand can help you plan the rest of your education. If you’ve walked at commencement but still have classes left, it’s important not to assume you’re done. You’ll need to complete your requirements to receive your degree and move on to the next step.

Job Applications and Career Moves: Employers often ask whether you’ve graduated, not whether you’ve walked at commencement. Listing a degree on your résumé or job application before it’s officially awarded can be misleading or even disqualifying. Always clarify your status: “Expected Graduation: August 2025” is perfectly acceptable if you’re still finishing coursework.

Graduate School or Licensing: Many graduate programs and professional licenses (like nursing or teaching) require proof of graduation—not just participation in a ceremony. Transcripts with a posted degree date or an official diploma are usually required. Understanding when your school finalizes graduation will help you prepare documents on time.

Family Expectations and Celebrations: For parents, relatives, and friends, the distinction helps manage expectations. While commencement is a day of joy and celebration, it’s worth explaining if the graduate still has some work left to complete. It doesn’t take away from the achievement—it just puts it in perspective.

Transcripts and Official Records: Only after graduation is your degree posted to your transcript. This matters when applying for jobs, requesting educational verification, or ordering diploma replacements. If you walked in May but graduated in August, your transcript will reflect the latter date.