Graduation season in the United States is in full swing and is a time of immense pride, celebration, and, for some universities, a logistical marvel. We're talking about institutions that don't just graduate a class, they launch a city's worth of new alumni into the world. But which U.S. universities can lay claim to hosting the largest commencement exercises, sending off a sea of gowned graduates in a single period? Let's dive into the world of mega-graduations.

The Sheer Scale: Universities with Tens of Thousands of Graduates

When it comes to truly massive graduating classes, a few names consistently rise to the top. These institutions often boast enormous student bodies and, consequently, commencement ceremonies that are epic in scale.

• Arizona State University (ASU): Known for its innovation and expansive online and campus-based programs, ASU regularly sees some of the largest graduating classes in the nation. For instance, in Spring 2024, nearly 20,700 students were set to graduate, a figure that includes almost 14,000 campus immersion students and over 6,700 online graduates. Their main commencement ceremonies can draw tens of thousands of guests, with over 42,000 expected for their Spring 2024 events.
• University of Southern California (USC): This private research university in Los Angeles also hosts colossal commencement events. In May 2025, USC celebrated the conferral of over 18,000 degrees during its commencement week, marking a significant number of graduates joining the alumni ranks in one go.
• George Mason University: As Virginia's largest public research university, George Mason University is another institution marking significant milestones. In May 2025, the university honored a record-setting class, with nearly 11,800 students recognized for earning degrees or certificates.

The Online Titan: A New Kind of Large Graduation

The landscape of higher education has been transformed by online learning, and this is reflected in graduation numbers.

• Western Governors University (WGU): This online, competency-based university stands out for the sheer volume of degrees it confers annually. In a recent year, WGU awarded the highest number of bachelor's degrees (20,211) and master's degrees (13,705) among U.S. postsecondary institutions enrolling over 15,000 students. While its commencement ceremonies might differ in format from traditional campus-based events, the number of graduates it produces is undeniably among the largest.

A Trend of Growth: Record Numbers Across the Nation

Beyond these giants, a notable trend is the increasing number of universities celebrating their largest-ever graduating classes. This indicates a continued growth in higher education access and completion.

• Howard University: The prestigious historically Black university celebrated its largest graduating class in its 157-year history in May 2025, with 3,167 students receiving their degrees. This followed a record class in 2024 as well.
• Rice University: This esteemed Texas university also conferred its largest number of degrees in history—over 2,900—during its May 2025 commencement.

Beyond the Graduate Count: The Spectacle of Commencement

It's also worth noting the distinction between the number of graduates and the total number of attendees at a commencement ceremony. Some universities, while perhaps not having the absolute largest number of graduates, host enormous events due to the number of guests each graduate brings.

• University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst): For its May 2025 undergraduate ceremony, UMass Amherst expected around 20,000 people to attend, creating a stadium-sized celebration.

A Momentous Occasion, Magnified

Whether it's a sprawling public university, a dynamic private institution, or a trailblazing online provider, the largest graduation ceremonies in the U.S. are a testament to the dedication of countless students and the institutions that support them. These massive events are not just about numbers; they represent a huge wave of talent, innovation, and hope stepping out into the future. So, here's to all the graduates, especially those who are part of these truly monumental commencements!