70 Creative Graduation Cap Ideas That Stand Out From the Crowd
Inside: How to decorate a graduation cap with inspiration from 70 awesomely creative ways to let your personality shine on the big day!
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Graduation season is upon us.
And there is so much preparation for this special event. We want to do all the things so there are no regrets.
Last May we were celebrating what is probably the last graduation for the last child. And said child almost didn’t want to go to the huge campus-wide college ceremony.
Yes, it was hot. It was crowded. It was loooooong.
And it was amazing. Regret averted.
So what was the only regret? That she didn’t know about decorating the graduation cap!
Since you’re reading this post, you’re obviously ahead of the graduation game.
You’ve ordered the traditional cords, stoles, and tassels—check. Picked out the perfect graduation outfit—check.
Now it’s time to add your own fun and flair to that boring graduation get-up.
So buckle up, because I’ve come up with a collection of 70 of the best graduation cap ideas for you to peruse to get your creative juices flowing!
Why Should You Decorate Your Graduation Cap?
- Your friends and family will be able to find you in the ocean of mortar boards.
- That perfect graduation outfit will be covered up with the customary gown but this is a great way to show your personality and stand out from the crowd. Don’t just be one more cap crossing the stage (yawn).
- It makes for fantastic photo memories.
- And we’ve already covered the regret factor. The crowd will ooh and aah and laugh and talk about how original and clever those students are. And you’ll think to yourself as your friends and family are focused on them, “I’m clever too—AND you’re here for me!”
Pin it to remember it:
Make sure to pin this graphic so you can find all of these ideas in one place when you need them:
Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas for College.
For the Bachelor of Science grad, you gotta love this one. Make your own or you can buy this B.S. Topper ready to go on Etsy.
You know exactly what this graduate’s been up to the last four years with this graduation cap design. She must have had a well-rounded college experience.
Graduation Cap Ideas for College Majors.
Nurse Grad Caps.
This colorful cap is a fun way to stand out from the crowd.
Nursing graduation cap ideas are plentiful on Pinterest. The lace trim on these makes them a little extra.
Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, everybody?
This super cute nursing grad cap topper can be customized just for you on Etsy.
Biology and Science Graduation Cap Ideas.
A colorful DNA strand makes the perfect grad cap design for a biology major.
There are endless science humor possibilities with the periodic table.
Psychology Major College Grad Cap Idea.
Wouldn’t you know a Psych grad would have a message with a double meaning.
Theater Major Graduation Cap Ideas.
And we would absolutely expect the theater majors to decorate their caps. All the world’s a stage, right?
This graduate definitely didn’t throw away their shot at the ceremony with this “Hamilton” tribute.
It’s an easy read for literature majors to glue book pages onto their cap as a background (or should I say back story?)
Business Majors Graduation Cap Ideas.
Business majors can be fun too. And this one took care of business on graduation day.
Education Major Graduation Cap Ideas.
This cap’s message is why there’s a special place in heaven for good teachers.
Veterinary School Major Graduation Cap Ideas.
Too bad for the cats, but this Vet School grad cap is purr-fect.
Need a creative way to give a graduate a gift card? Check out the ideas in the post “Creative and Fun Ways to Give Gift Cards“.
Graduation Cap Decoration Ideas for High School.
It seems a little less common to see decorated grad caps at high school ceremonies. Maybe it’s because graduates are less willing to stand out at that age, or some schools may not allow it (always check first).
Decorating your high school grad cap is the perfect way to let everyone know what college you’re headed to.
Or shout the graduation year in bling. That year that always seemed so far in the future is now. Make your own or purchase this custom year grad cap on Etsy.
And this custom photo grad cap topper is a wonderful way to honor family members, special friends, or high school memories.
Grad Cap Designs that Show School Spirit.
You can’t go wrong with a simple bedazzled college logo.
The red of Alabama and San Diego State really pops on the black mortar boards.
You can use this Baylor Bears cap for inspiration or find this glitter and rhinestone school logo cap topper already done for you on Etsy.
Graduation Cap Ideas with School Colors.
School colors are not only limited to the logo.
You can always count on LSU grads to bring the party. I would have totally worn this back in my day. (Geaux Tigers!!)
Here’s an idea for wearing the exact shade of your school’s color. So clever for an art major or simply if you have a signature color!
Still funny even though it’s probably not that big of a deal anymore.
This grad is ready for the job hunt.
Not just for NASCAR—I’m sure these sponsors did help this grad make it through.
Entering the game of Life has never been more creative.
If life is a game, this level is over. Make your own or buy this Game Over grad cap topper on Etsy.
Where else would he have found a grad cap idea? Okay—maybe on Google or Instagram or TikTok.
Moooo-ve over boring black square. Make your own cute cow print or this cow lovers grad cap topper is for sale on Etsy.
This Dr. Suess theme is double the fun for twins or besties.
An oldie but goodie, this Looney Tunes classic line says it all. Make your own, or this “That’s All Folks” cap cover is available on Amazon.
Graduation Cap Ideas from Favorite Movies, Books, and TV Shows.
Just one of the countless great lines from “The Office”.
For the Harry Potter fanatic who got their mischief managed to make it to the big day.
And this line from Harry Potter makes a great inspirational graduation message.
This quote from “Legally Blonde” paired with the photos and messages are sure to make friends and family choke up a little.
“Alice in Wonderland” fans are always madly imaginative.
This quote from “Finding Nemo” is funny and unfortunately, probably true.
Can’t let this Disney Frozen grad cap go.
From “Mean Girls”. On graduation day we wear pink (caps).
This line from “Almost Famous” is right on for this crazy time.
Favorite Quote Graduation Cap Ideas.
This inspirational quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg even has her signature lace collar that peeked over her judge’s robe. And would decidedly pass the bar at a law school graduation. You can buy this girl power grad cap topper on Etsy.
Inspirational graduation quotes abound from the Bible. Choose one that speaks to you and your future. Or you can buy this bible verse “With God all things are possible” grad cap topper on Etsy.
Or this quote packages the perfect words for new graduates. You can find this “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World” Graduation Topper with gorgeous flowers on Etsy.
If you‘re looking for the right words to say in a message to a grad, see the post “300 Best Graduation Quotes and Sayings Guaranteed to Inspire“.
Graduation Cap Ideas for Girls.
Another line from “Legally Blonde”. So easy to say when you get into Harvard Law School on a whim.
This Mean Girls grad cap on Etsy is the truth after the tassel is turned at the end of the ceremony.
Add a bow to make any cap more girly. This custom grad cap bow is available on Etsy.
Colorful fake flowers glued on top are always an easy way to make the girl graduate’s hat stand out beautifully.
Countless DIY grad caps for girls have flowers. But this grad really pulled it all together matching her cap color scheme to her stole and dress.
Graduation Cap Ideas for Guys.
I had to search a little harder to find decorated caps that guys would be willing to wear. But not too hard—it just has to be funny, and not frilly or sappy.
This cap design is worthy of a graduation party at the Catalina Wine Mixer.
This gaming cap design was for a girl—hence the bling. But the idea is good for any gamer.
Or show off your sport. This football grad cap cover comes in several other options.
Master’s Degree Graduation Cap Ideas.
This quote from Harry Potter is magic for the Masters degree graduate.
This cute cap is a nice positive pat on the back, and this graduate should be proud.
Kindergarten Graduation Cap Ideas.
I’m not sure how widespread decorating the kindergarten cap is yet, but everything seems to trickle down and there are some really sweet ideas on the internet like this one. It seems like just yesterday that I was reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” to my now college graduate. 😢
Last Minute Simple Graduation Cap Ideas with Sayings.
Not a lot of time to plan and decorate the perfect graduation cap? Or don’t have amazing crafting skills? That’s fine! Sometimes a message comes off best without all the glitter and flair. It can be as simple as a “Thanks Mom and Dad!”
Buy some letters from the craft store for your custom message. Or cut them out of a magazine like this:
A few more message ideas that are a huge hit:
- Proud of my B.S.
- Now hotter by one degree
- Hire Me
- Officially a B.A.
- Game of Loans
- This cap cost me (cost of college)
- Now What?
- #DONE
- Straight Outta College
- This Diploma Runs on Dunkin
- It’s Me, Hi, I’m the Grad It’s Me
- The One Where I Graduate
- Breaking Grad
- 13 Years of My Life, and All I Got Was This Stupid Cap
- Mic Drop
- Peace Out
- So Long Suckers
- Last Minute Like Everything Else I Did For School
Shopping sources for this post.
Awesome grad cap? Check.
You’re sure to shine on your big day with one of these awesome graduation cap decoration ideas—with no regrets!
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Kate, these cap ideas are hilarious. I had no idea this was a thing. I wish my kids had done this so I could have picked them out of a sea of black squares. Thanks for sharing on the Celebrate the Holiday Blog Hop.
Such fun ideas. I really enjoyed your post. Hugs to you.
Hilarious!! Who knew there was this much creativity!!?!!
HI Kate, I love, love, love this idea! My youngest graduates from college in a few short weeks! Thank you for sharing this idea! xo laura
Those are great ideas! I would like to share your post with my seniors. I think the girls will really appreciate it.