honor cords for graduation

Graduation Honor Cords: How to Pick the Best Color for You

Graduation honor cords are stylish ways to accessorize graduation gowns. However, graduation ropes are much more than just another graduation day accessory. Graduation honor cord colors are full of meaning and symbolism, and they can mean different things for college and high school. Check out this handy guide to find the perfect graduation honor cords for your commencement ceremony.

College and University Honor Cord Colors by Degree

honor cord color meanings

Higher education is filled with a variety of degree programs that pique students’ interests. Graduation accessories should match that variety, and Graduation Authority’s selection of honor cords does just that. Find your academic program in the list below to find the honor cord color you should wear on graduation day.

  • Accounting: Black
  • Agriculture: Silver
  • Architecture: Purple
  • Arts: Pink or White
  • Business: Black
  • Dentistry: Purple
  • Education: Sky Blue
  • Engineering: Orange
  • Environmental Studies: Green
  • Forestry: Maroon
  • High academic achievement (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude): Gold
  • Honor society membership or accomplishments in two academic fields: Double/Multi-color
  • Humanities: Red or White
  • Journalism: Red
  • Law: Purple
  • Leadership: Royal Blue
  • Medicine: Emerald Green
  • Music: Pink
  • Philosophy: Navy Blue
  • Physics: Silver
  • Public Health: Red
  • Science: Green
  • Theology: Maroon
  • Urban Planning: Purple
  • Veterinary Science: Silver
high school honor cord colors

High School Honor Cord Colors by Subject

Graduating high school is one of the first big milestones teenagers face in life. Make your graduate’s day more special with an honor cord in a color that corresponds to a best subject or favorite subject.

  • Arts: Purple or Red
  • Business: Black
  • Community Service: Silver
  • Economics: Black
  • English: White
  • Environmental Sciences: Green
  • History: White
  • Honor Roll students: Gold
  • Humanities: Purple
  • Music: Pink
  • Performing Arts: Pink
  • Social Sciences: Blue
honor cord closeup
Gold honor cords symbolize love and wisdom.

More Color Symbolism

Graduation can be more about the journey and the lessons you’ve learned along the way than the daily homework, exams, and speeches. Choose a graduation honor cord color that best represents the one thing you have learned the most during your school years.

  • Black: Power, authority, and prestige
  • Emerald Green: Growth, renewal, and well-being
  • Gold: Prosperity, love, compassion, and wisdom
  • Maroon: Confidence, passion, and power
  • Navy Blue: Intelligence, loyalty, and wisdom
  • Orange: Individuality and creative spirit
  • Purple: Ambition, creativity, and devotion
  • Red: Courage, willpower, and strength
  • Royal Blue: Community service, trustworthiness, and sophistication
  • Silver: Elegance, kindness, hope, and sensitivity
  • Sky Blue: Honesty and intelligence
  • Turquoise: Energy, serenity, balance
  • White: Purity, spirituality, and possibility

Whether you’re striking a personal milestone or paying tribute to your students’ successes, wearing graduation honor cords and understanding their symbolism elevates the significance of graduation day. If you’re still preparing for your ceremony and need honor cords or other graduation essentials, check out Graduation Authority for a wide selection of quality caps, gowns, and accessories. Find the perfect pieces to match your school colors and make your graduation even more special.