Graduation Costs Are Up 7% This Year – Here’s How It’s Hitting Your Wallet Harder Than the Diploma
The typical family now spends over $1,200 on graduation-related expenses this spring, from cap and gown fees to party supplies, and that's before factoring in skyrocketing gift cards and dinner reservations. With inflation still squeezing household budgets, experts warn that skipping price comparisons on everything from venue rentals to custom announcements could cost you an extra $300 this season. Plus, many schools are quietly hiking their graduation ticket fees by double digits, leaving parents scrambling to afford even a single seat in the audience.