Graduation celebrations cost students up to 10,000 kroner

Danish high school graduates are spending an average of 10,750 kroner on their graduation celebrations, according to a financial estimate by Nordea’s private economy expert Betina Grimstrup.

The expenses cover graduation caps, decorated trucks, clothing, city trips, roses, and other costs such as summer house rentals. Grimstrup notes that graduation is more expensive now than a decade ago, as students today have more options and add-ons to choose from.

DR spoke to several graduates across Denmark about their expected spending. Aksel Vedsten Kallehauge from Rødovre Gymnasium plans to spend 15,000 kroner on food, alcohol, a truck tour, his cap, and a festival. He acknowledges the amount is excessive but justifies it as a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Emilie Toft Iversen from Hjørring Gymnasium has budgeted around 7,000 kroner, with her cap package alone costing 2,700 kroner. She feels some pressure from social media, where peers showcase outfits and alcohol purchases, making her question when enough is enough.

Andreas Østrup Thorsson, also from Rødovre Gymnasium, expects to spend 11,000 kroner on food, drinks, the truck tour, and his cap. He sees it as money well spent compared to other impulsive purchases he has made in the past.

Signe Lund Mathiassen from Rødovre Gymnasium has allocated 11,000 kroner for her truck tour, cap, graduation parties, and clothing. She admits the total seems overwhelming but notes the expenses are spread out over time.

Thilde Højer Torp Andersen from Hjørring Gymnasium plans to spend 4,000–5,000 kroner, including a 2,500-krone cap she chose for its longevity and personal significance. Jasmin Thordal Graakjær from Rødovre Gymnasium also budgets 11,000 kroner, viewing the spending as a culmination of her high school years. Christian Almar Jensen from Hjørring Gymnasium expects to spend around 5,000 kroner on his cap, food, and truck tour.