Years of hard work, late-night study and caffeine-fueled projects are finally paying off. Graduating seniors across Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties from high school to colleges and universities will soon walk across a stage and get their diplomas and degrees.
With seven colleges and universities in the area planning commencement ceremonies for their students and three public school districts scheduling graduations, it can be difficult to keep track of it all. So here’s a breakdown of each school and district, keeping you up to date and informed ahead of one of the most significant moments of these students’ — and parents’ — lives.
Congratulations to everyone who’s earned their caps and gowns this spring!
College commencement schedules
College of Charleston. Among the ceremonies this week:
- Graduate School. May 7, 5 p.m. Sottile Theatre. 44 George St. Downtown.
- School of Health Sciences and School of Humanities and Social Sciences. May 8, 10 a.m. Cistern Yard. 66 George St. Downtown.
- School of the Arts; School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics; and School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. May 8, 4 p.m. Cistern Yard. 66 George St. Downtown.
- School of Business; School of Education; and School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs. May 9, 10 a.m. Cistern Yard. 66 George St. Downtown.
The Citadel. Among the ceremonies are:
- Baccalaureate Service and Carillon Concert, Pinning Ceremony, Nursing Graduation Candidates. May 7, 2 p.m. Summerall Chapel. 171 Moultrie St. Downtown.
- Commencement Awards Ceremony. May 7, 5:30 p.m. Capers Hall. 1 Lee Ave. Downtown.
- Graduation Parade. May 8, 3:45 p.m. Summerall Chapel. 171 Moultrie St. Downtown.
- Corps of Cadets Commencement Exercises. May 9, 9 a.m. McAlister Field House. Jones Avenue. Downtown.
- Citadel Graduate College Commencement Exercises. May 9, 3:30 p.m. McAlister Field House. Jones Avenue. Downtown.
Charleston Southern University. All ceremonies and rehearsals will be held in the Lightsey Chapel Auditorium. 101 Alumni Drive. North Charleston.
- Nursing Pinning Ceremony, May 6, 5 p.m.
- Graduate Commencement Ceremony. May 7, 6 p.m.
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony of College of Education, Nielsen College of Business and College of Adult and Professional Studies. May 8, 10 a.m.
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony for College of Nursing, College of Science and Mathematics and College of Health Sciences. May 8, 1 p.m.
- Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony for College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Christian Studies. May 8, 4 p.m.
Trident Technical College. 2026 Graduation Ceremony: May 2, 10 a.m. North Charleston Coliseum. 5001 Coliseum Drive. North Charleston.
Medical University of South Carolina: 196th annual Commencement Ceremony: May 16. 10:30 a.m. North Charleston Coliseum. 5001 Coliseum Drive. North Charleston.
Charleston School of Law. 2026 Commencement Ceremony: May 16. 2 p.m. McAlister Field House at The Citadel. 171 Moultrie St. Downtown.
American College of the Building Arts. Capstone Reception: May 15. 5:30 p.m. Trolley Barn Campus. 649 Meeting St. Downtown.
High school graduation plans
Charleston County School District. High schools in Charleston County will hold graduation ceremonies from May 27 through May 30 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and North Charleston Coliseum. Check the online schedule of events for specific dates, times and locations.
Berkeley County School District. High schools in Berkeley County will hold graduation ceremonies from June 1 through June 3 at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and North Charleston Coliseum. Check the online schedule of events for specific information.
Dorchester School District Two. Dorchester School District Two will hold its graduation ceremonies on May 23 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Ceremonies include Summerville High School, Ashley Ridge High School and Fort Dorchester High School.
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