Students walk across sidewalks on the campus quad during springtime; trees bloom over the walkway.

Applying for Graduation

A student wearing graduation regalia walks away from the camera, down a campus sidewalk. Her cap decoration reads "I did it."

Get ready to cross the stage!

In order to graduate, students must submit an online Application for Graduation by the specified deadline: 

  • May Graduates - Apply by February 15
  • August Graduates - Apply by July 15
  • December Graduates - Apply by September 15

Submitting Your Graduation Application

The below information only pertains to students who are seeking a degree (i.e. associate, bachelor, master, doctorate). If you are not sure if your program falls under this category, please review your program on YCPWeb or your unofficial transcript.

Am I considered a May, August, or December Graduate?

May graduates will complete final degree requirements during the Spring Semester or Summer Mini-mester.

August graduates will complete final degree requirements during the Summer I, Summer II, Summer Grad, or Special Sessions.

December graduates will complete final degree requirements during the Fall Semester.

How do I apply for graduation?

Log into your MyYCP account

Select the YCPWeb icon

Select Student Services > Student Records > Apply to Graduate

Select the current Curriculum Term

Select your Graduation Date

Proceed through the online screens to submit the application/payment.

Why isn’t my second major or third minor appearing on the graduation application?

Second majors: Students are able to receive only one Baccalaureate degree from YCP. The degree will reflect the primary major’s degree type, but both majors will be listed on the transcript and Commencement Program.

Third minors: Third minors will appear on the student’s transcript upon degree conferral.

Any questions about second majors or third minors can be directed to the Registrar’s Office at registrar@ycp.edu

Do I need to apply to graduate if I do not plan to participate in the ceremony?

All students must apply to graduate, even if they do not plan to attend Commencement. 

How do I know which Commencement to participate in?

May and December graduates are able to participate in the Commencement ceremony that aligns with their graduation (i.e., May graduates participate in May Commencement; December graduates participate in December Commencement)

August graduates are able to participate in either May or December. August graduates looking to participate in May Commencement should apply on/before February 15th to be included in the Program. Any application for August graduation after February 15th will be considered for December Commencement participation.

How much is the graduation fee?

The graduation fee is $75 before the deadline and $100 after the deadline.

How do I pay for the graduation fee?

The fee is paid via credit card during the online application submission process. If another person, office, or organization is paying for the graduation fee on your behalf, please contact the Business Office and the Registrar’s Office.

Do I still have to pay for a cap and gown?

Yes. The graduation application fee does not include the cost of a cap and gown, which can be purchased at the Spartan Store.

The below information only pertains to students who are seeking a post-baccalaureate or post-master’s certificate. If you are not sure if your program falls under this category, please review your program on YCPWeb or your unofficial transcript.

Am I considered a May, August, or December graduate?

  • May graduates will complete final degree requirements during the Spring Semester or Summer Mini-mester.
  • August graduates will complete final degree requirements during the Summer I, Summer II, Summer Grad, or Special Sessions.
  • December graduates will complete final degree requirements during the Fall Semester.

How do I apply for graduation?

You may apply to graduate through our Certificate Student Graduation Application form.

Am I able to participate in the ceremony?

Due to the number of students involved, only degree-seeking students are permitted to participate in the ceremony at this time.

How much is the graduation fee?

The graduation fee is $15, and is placed on your e-bill account once the application is submitted. Your graduation application is not complete until payment is received.

A graduating student wears a cap and gown as he sits in the crowd on graduation day.

Ordering Regalia

Graduating students can order their regalia online at the Spartan Store by selecting the package they need (payment is required). A regalia package should include a cap, gown, hood, and tassel. Honors cords are also distributed with the regalia package if students are found to be eligible (please view the Graduation Honors section).

A graduating student waves in her regalia during the processional at Commencement.

Graduation Honors

Baccalaureate degree students are eligible for graduation honors based on their York College record. Transfer students may be eligible for graduation honors after a minimum of 45 credit hours of academic work are completed at York College. Graduation honors will be awarded on the basis of the cumulative GPA at York College.

Graduation honors recognized by York College are:

  • Summa Cum Laude: 3.90 or above
  • Magna Cum Laude: 3.70–3.89
  • Cum Laude: 3.50–3.69

Because the fall and spring Commencement ceremonies occur before all of a student’s final semester grades have been tabulated, graduation honors published at Commencement will be based on the student’s cumulative GPA prior to their final semester of coursework. However, the graduation honors noted on the student’s official transcript will be based on the student’s final cumulative GPA.