Obtaining Your Degree (Graduating)

Graduation Requirements

To earn an associate degree or a certificate, students may graduate under the catalog requirements existing at the time of initial enrollment as long as they successfully complete at least one CGCC credit applicable to degree requirements per academic year.

Catalog requirements are valid for six academic years. A new academic year begins with each summer term and ends the next spring term. No catalog is valid for longer than spring term following the sixth academic year after issuance of the catalog.

One to two terms away from graduating? Complete an Application for Graduation here.

Institutional Awarding

Students typically receive degrees and/or certificates upon completion of requirements for the student's declared major in the weeks following the term's end. Multiple credentials may be institutionally awarded within a student's major. To ensure timely awarding (if you've completed the requirements) complete an Application for Graduation.

Your diploma will be mailed to your address of record 4-5 weeks after term grades are recorded (Summer, Fall and Winter terms). Spring term diplomas are mailed during the month of July. If your address has changed, please contact student services. 

Columbia Gorge Community College has received independent accreditation status. Prior to fall 2013, CGCC was accredited through Portland Community College. For degrees earned prior to Fall 2013, please go to MyPCC. Contact the Registrar's office if you have questions regarding your degree earned at CGCC prior to Fall 2013.

Graduating with Degrees other than a Declared Major

Fill out the Application for Graduation Form

  • Submit to Student Services one term prior to your anticipated graduation term.
  • File a separate application for each degree or certificate.
  • Graduation Evaluations are typically completed 3-4 weeks after the end of the term. 

Transfer Credits

CGCC will accept transfer credits that meet established standards of acceptance.

Attending Commencement

Information about the commencement ceremony can be found here.