Graduation

Graduation is the act of receiving your degree, certificate, or diploma after you have finished all course requirements. You must apply to graduate one quarter before finishing your program of study to receive your degree, certificate, or high school diploma.

Commencement is the ceremony to honor the year’s graduates. This year's ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the ShoWare Center. Participation in Commencement is not required to receive your degree, certificate, high school diploma, or GED.

Apply for Graduation

Step 1) Make an appointment with your Program Advisor.  

If you are enrolled in a certificate or degree program, please set up an appointment with your Program Advisor two quarters prior to completing your program before applying for graduation in ctcLink to ensure you are track to complete your program. Appointments can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance through the Advising page. You can also call (425) 235-5840 or email advising@rtc.edu for help with general questions or assistance scheduling advising appointments. 

Step 2) Check your ctcLink student account.

Make sure there are no past-due balances on your student account, which will prevent your credential from being mailed to you.

Step 3)  Apply for Graduation in ctcLink.

  1. Log in to your ctcLink student account
  2. Review and Update Mailing Address:
  3. Go to the Profile tile to ensure that your mailing address is up to date. Update it if needed to guarantee your credential (degree, certificate, or diploma) is sent to the correct address.
  4. Add a Preferred Name (Optional):
  5. Under the Profile tab, click on Personal Details.
  6. Click the + icon to add a preferred name that you’d like printed on your degree, certificate, or diploma.
  7. Choose Degree and fill out the necessary name fields.
  8. Don’t forget to click Save.
  9. Go to the Student Homepage:
  10. Navigate back to your Student Homepage after updating your profile.
  11. Access the Academic Progress Tile:
  12. Click on the Academic Progress tile to open the Academic Progress menu on the left-hand side.
  13. Select the Apply for Graduation Link:
  14. Choose the Apply for Graduation link to open the "Submit an Application for Graduation" page.
  15. Choose Program and Degree:
  16. Click on the Apply for Graduation link again to access the Select Program and Degree options.
  17. Select an Academic Program:
  18. Choose your Academic Program link to proceed to the Select Graduation Term page.
  19. Select Graduation Term:
  20. Pick a term from the Expected Graduation Term drop-down menu to view the corresponding graduation instructions.
  21. Verify Graduation Data and Submit:
  22. Press the Continue button to open the Verify Graduation Data page.
  23. After reviewing your data, click the Submit Application button to complete the process.
  24. You’ll then be taken to the Submit Confirmation page, confirming that your graduation application has been successfully submitted.

If you completed your program before 2015 or would like to request a replacement or duplicate degree, certificate, or diploma, please do so via Parchment. The cost per one credential is $25.

You can request an official or unofficial transcript online. Visit the RTC Transcripts Request page to get started.

How long will it take to receive my degree, certificate, diploma?

All graduation applications will be processed at the end of each quarter. Please allow 4-6 weeks after the end of the quarter for processing.

Will RTC hold my degree, certificate, diploma if I have a past due tuition hold?

Yes, but once you pay off past due tuition, you can notify the Credentials office send your credential out.

How soon should I meet with my program advisor before completing my program?

You are recommended to meet with your Program Advisor two quarters before your last quarter. Once your Program Advisor determines you are on track to complete your program, they will apply a “Graduation Ready” milestone to your student account. 

Do I have to attend the commencement ceremony?

Attending Commencement is optional but students are highly encouraged.

Does it cost to apply to graduate?

Applying for graduation is free. 

Can I request more than one of the same credential?

RTC will provide your first credential at no cost. A duplicate or replacement diploma can be ordered via Parchment for $25.

Where can I get more information regarding the next Commencement Ceremony?

Please visit the Commencement web page or reach out to studentleadership@rtc.edu if you have questions regarding the upcoming Commencement Ceremony.

Does RTC maintain or mail GED exam results?

No, RTC does not possess GED records. Please visit the GED site for transcripts or call 1-877-392-6433. 

Please complete the Student Exit Survey.

Need more help?

Questions about applying for graduation, completing the requirements for your degree, or receiving your printed diploma? Email graduation@rtc.edu.