WKU Switches Regalia Vendor to Herff Jones
Western Kentucky University is changing its graduation regalia supplier, and the new vendor's prices are higher than the previous one's.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Financial Aid
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Western Kentucky University chose Herff Jones as its new vendor for student and faculty graduation regalia, replacing Jostens. Students may pay more, with bachelor's regalia cap and gown alone costing $80 and full packages possibly exceeding $400.
Why it matters
The partnership was intended to keep regalia consistent in design, color, and quality across graduates. For Bowling Green residents and students, the change raises the cost of one of the final expenses of earning a degree at WKU.
The bachelor's cap and gown alone now costs $80, compared with $55 for undergraduate regalia through the previous vendor Jostens. Master's regalia costs $106, and complete bachelor's packages may exceed $400.
The players
Western Kentucky University
WKU is a public university in Bowling Green, Kentucky, that is changing its graduation regalia supplier.
Herff Jones
Herff Jones is a company that produces graduation regalia for several universities and allows more personal customization of designs.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association is WKU's student governing body, which secured the regalia cost waivers for students.
The details
Students can pick up regalia at the on-campus graduation fair or have it shipped to their homes. Students wearing regalia that differs noticeably in color or style will be advised to buy an official Herff Jones cap and gown on-site. The Student Government Association secured 15 regalia cost waivers, five for winter graduation and 10 for spring graduation.
Timeline
Winter graduation: SGA waivers cover regalia costs for five students.
Spring graduation: SGA waivers cover regalia costs for 10 students.
Culture Shift
WKU's move from Jostens to Herff Jones departs from its earlier $55 undergraduate regalia price, which the university is now replacing with a vendor offering more personalized designs at higher cost. The shift is framed by SGA as a pilot year that could lead to broader program expansion.
Graduating students should budget for regalia costs that now start at $80 for a bachelor's cap and gown and can exceed $400 for a full package. Students who qualify for an SGA waiver may reduce that expense, though only 15 waivers were secured across both ceremonies.
The takeaway
Graduation expenses can add up quickly, so students should compare regalia prices early and check whether SGA waivers are available before their ceremony. Asking about cost options ahead of time can help avoid surprise charges at the end of a degree.
Further reading
Explore related coverage in the Financial Aid section for more on how graduation expenses affect students in Bowling Green.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKUHerald.
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