University & College Graduation Honor Cords

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College and University Graduation Honor Cords

Graduating from a university is an honor and major achievement. In recognition of those who achieve this, the graduation commencement is held to publicly present graduates with their diplomas and awards. Although Academic Regalia differs from college to college, students and faculty taking part in the graduation ceremony are often seen wearing more than the basic Academic Regalia. Therefore, not only does your graduation involve wearing a cap, gown, tassel and other academic accessories, but it also entails traditional pieces such as Stoles and Honor Cords. Gradshop offers Single Honor Cords and Double Honor Cords. Our honor cords come in different colors, with each color having a different significance.

Now that you’re graduating, you must distinguish yourself from everyone else especially if you’re a member of the Honor Society or graduating with honors such as magna cum laude, summa cum laude, or cum laude. Honor cords are one of the prominent graduation accessories seen in most academic ceremonies. Gradshop’s premium honor cords are intertwined strands with a tassel on each end and they are generally worn in pairs and the two cords are tied together at their midpoint. Honor cords are worn around the neck with the ends of the cords hanging down the front side of the graduate's gown and two tassels on each side. Our high quality honor cords are a must-have if you want to show how hard you have worked to get where you are! Shop online at Gradshop and know that you are ordering outstanding graduation products at affordable prices with great processing and delivery options.

For further information, visit our FAQs page or contact us via email or phone at: 1-855-719-4723

Frequently Asked Questions

Are honor cords used for high school graduation?

Yes. Honor cords are commonly used in high school graduations to recognize:

  • Academic honors
  • GPA distinctions
  • Leadership roles
  • National Honor Society membership

High school cords are typically the same size as college cords.

Can I order honor cords in bulk for a school or organization?

Yes. Bulk ordering options are ideal for:

  • Schools and universities
  • Honor societies
  • Clubs and organizations

Bulk orders offer consistent color matching and cost savings. Contact customer support for bulk pricing and delivery timelines.

Can I wear more than one honor cord?

Yes. Many graduates wear multiple honor cords if they have earned recognition from different organizations or programs. Schools may have limits on how many cords can be worn, so it’s best to check your institution’s graduation policy.

Do you offer customization options for honor cords?

Yes we do with a minimum of 10 pcs. 

Please email us the specifications and we will get back to you with a quote and estimated delivery date.

How do I choose the right honor cord for my graduation?

Consider:

  1. Your school’s graduation guidelines
  2. Required colors for honors or organizations
  3. Whether you need single, double, or triple cords
  4. Quantity needed (individual vs bulk order)

When in doubt, consult your school or organization for confirmation.

How do I wear graduation honor cords correctly?

Honor cords are worn:

  • Draped evenly around the neck
  • Hanging down the front of the graduation gown
  • Positioned above stoles and sashes (if applicable)

Cords should hang symmetrically and not be tucked inside the gown.

What do graduation honor cord colors mean?

Honor cord colors vary by institution and organization. Common meanings include:

  • Gold: Academic excellence or high honors
  • Silver: Achievement or distinction
  • Red: Leadership or service
  • Blue: Academic merit or organization affiliation
  • Green: Academic programs or environmental studies

Some graduates wear multiple cords to represent different achievements. Always follow your school’s guidelines for approved colors.

What is a double honor cord?

A double cord consists of two individual cords joined together at the center, with the knot positioned at the back of the graduate's neck.

What is a graduation honor cord?

A graduation honor cord is a decorative accessory worn by graduates during commencement ceremonies to signify academic achievements, honors, or affiliations. Honor cords are typically made of intertwined cords of various colors, and they are worn around the neck with the ends hanging down the front of the graduate's gown.

The colors of the cords often carry specific meanings, representing different academic achievements or honors. For example, honor cords might indicate graduation with honors, membership in an honor society, participation in specific programs, or other notable accomplishments. The specific color combinations can vary widely between institutions and organizations. We recommend checking with your school with colors you need to select for your honor cords. 

Graduates who have earned the right to wear honor cords often do so with pride as a visible symbol of their academic achievements. Honor cords add a personalized and meaningful element to the graduation regalia, allowing students to showcase their accomplishments and distinctions during the ceremony.

What is the standard length of graduation honor cords?

Most graduation honor cords measure approximately 60 inches total length, designed to drape evenly around the neck and hang symmetrically down the front of the gown. This length works well for high school, college, and university ceremonies.

What types of graduation honor cords are available?

Common types include:

Double and triple cords are often used for higher levels of distinction.

Who wears graduation honor cords?

Honor cords are worn by:

  • High school graduates
  • College and university graduates
  • Students earning academic honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude)
  • Members of honor societies and academic organizations
  • Students recognized for leadership, service, or special achievements

Always confirm eligibility and color requirements with your school or organization.