Tassels, Hoods and Academic Colors

The color of your tassel and hood represents your college or school. Select your college carefully when ordering your attire. 

Wear your cap (mortarboard) horizontally, with the point in the center front. Decorated mortar board caps are allowed as long as the decorations are not offensive or obstructing the view of students behind you. 

• Undergraduate and professional students: tassel on the right 
• Graduate students: tassel on the left 

You may purchase a black-and-gold keepsake tassel, but graduates should wear their official academic color tassel during the ceremony. 

If you’re earning two degrees in different colleges: You’ll walk with the college listed first on your graduation application. You may purchase a second tassel for your other college at Herff Jones or the University Book Store. 

Undergraduate and Professional Program Colors

Each candidate is required to rent a Purdue University custom cap and gown. A black-and-gold keepsake tassel may be purchased separately, but graduates should wear their academic color tassel at the ceremony.

Undergraduate Colors

Master’s Programs Colors

Each candidate will wear a black tassel and a black Master’s gown with full‑length sleeves

Master’s Colors

Tassel and Gown: Each candidate will wear a black tassel and a black Master’s Gown with Full-Length Sleeves

Doctoral Program Colors

Tips for the Day-of Attire 

• What to wear under your gown: Lightweight, business casual attire works best. 
• Shoes: Choose comfortable, closed-toe shoes. You’ll be moving between event spaces, and many candidates spend time walking or standing during portions of the event. 
• Accessories: Avoid bulky jewelry or large hair clips that interfere with your cap. 
• Cap decorating: You may decorate your cap as long as designs are not offensive and don’t block the view of others. 
• Gown care: Lightly steam your gown if needed; avoid direct ironing.