Budgeting graduates should keep in mind to buy in bulk, learn the art of elimination and keep their options open. Caps and gowns may be free for graduates, but personalized announcements, keepsakes and other graduation accessories can be expensive.
Tiffany Lewis, communications major, is graduating this May. Lewis has not bought any announcements yet, though, because she is waiting to see who has the best prices.
"I haven't ordered anything," Lewis said. "I'm getting a lot of information in the mail about different places where you can get (announcements)."
Local Jostens College representative Robin Albertson said graduates who want to save money should purchase packages instead of ordering items separately.
"If they buy in package form, they save a little bit of money," Albertson said.
Package prices range from $83.28 to $198.02.
All prices include a discount, shipping and handling and tax. The basic package comes with 25 announcements, 25 custom sealed notecards, 25 year/date seals and 25 return address labels.
Students buying all the items listed in the basic package separately would spend $4.26 more.
Albertson said graduates can call her personally, and she will offer them a discount on their class rings.
"If they call me directly, they can get $50.00 off of the 14-karat and $150.00 off of the 18-karat," Albertson said.
If students find those prices too steep, Albertson suggests they buy generic brand cards and keepsakes.
"We sell generic announcements in the bookstore, and they are cheaper," Albertson said. "They're not personalized. That's normally what I recommend to people who (are budgeting)."
As of yet, not many students have objected to the prices set by Jostens, according to Albertson.
"I've been doing this a long time, and most haven't complained about the price because it's an investment," Albertson said. "The pride factor overrides everything else. It really makes an impression on them that they want to pass on to family and friends."
Internet sites like www.cardgallery.com and www.herff-jones.com provide alternatives to Jostens.
Cardgallery.com offers announcements ranging from $24.99 to $59.99. Keepsakes like memory books, limoges, silver coins and graduation banners are sold there, as well as accessories, cards and diploma frames.
Dr. Marion Emslie, University commencement director, said the clothing and some other amenities for graduation are free.
"There is no charge for the caps and gowns, no charge for programs, parking or guest parking," Emslie said. "(They are) paid for through the activity fees."
Emslie said students have a choice whether they want to spend a lot of money or not.
"The student doesn't have to put out any money at all to enjoy commencement," Emslie said. "They have no obligation. We do not have anything to do with the invitations. That's something the student chooses to do."
