How Does Graduation Work for Online Students?

According to the BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report, online students and graduates surveyed say that their online program was equal to or better than in-person options. That said, online programs offer a different experience than in-person programs.

Many students are drawn to online programs because of their flexibility and convenience. Wraparound student services are crucial to online students’ success and eventual graduation.

Once students complete their online program, they, like other students in in-person programs, may have the opportunity to experience a graduation ceremony. However, because many online students don’t live on campus, and some might live far from the college that offers their program, schools might offer online graduation ceremonies.

How an online graduation ceremony typically works depends on the specific institution’s traditions and values. Generally, an online graduation ceremony involves a live-streamed virtual event.

Live streaming allows students, their families, and friends to watch the event from wherever they are in the world. Graduation ceremonies usually include speeches from faculty and administrators and recognition of students’ hard work. Sometimes, there is a slideshow of students’ names and majors.

Prior to graduation, online students typically receive a link to livestream the event and any password information they might need.

Online ceremonies typically don’t have students walk as students are not attending the event in person. However, some online programs offer an in-person graduation ceremony that is also streamed online for others to view. If your program offers an in-person event, you can walk at your graduation.

Online students are usually encouraged to join in-person graduation events. Walking at a graduation ceremony can be a celebratory event signifying the closing of one chapter of your life.

Like attending any event, attending your online college graduation can have its pros and cons. While it may be nice to celebrate your hard work and honor your classmates, it may prove to be less of an impactful experience and more of a disappointment than in-person graduations.

There is typically no penalty for skipping a graduation ceremony.

Typically, online students can invite their friends, family, and loved ones to their online graduation. It’s an opportunity for the people involved in your academic journey to show their support for you.

You can invite guests via a shared streaming link to the graduation ceremony. Some online graduation links may require a password, and your guests should have a quality internet connection to avoid interruptions.

In-person graduations sometimes limit the number of guests who can attend, but online students are still eligible to purchase tickets.

The cost of online college graduation can vary from institution to institution. Online college graduation costs may include diploma and ceremony fees.

If you decide to walk at the in-person event, you may have to purchase your cap and gown and pay for ticket costs for yourself and your guests.

You can check with your program to learn what costs you may expect.