2023 Commencement
Northwestern College will host the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 16, 2023.
Congratulations to all graduating students! It’s been an honor being part of your journey as you have worked hard to get here. Our mission at NC is to ensure this day is memorable for you, your family, and your friends. For that reason, we have developed this website for everything Commencement related. The website will continue to be updated with Commencement 2023 deadlines and information, so please check back periodically.
2023 Commencement Photos
Commencement Program
Celebrate on Social
We invite you to join the commencement celebration on social media. Share Commencement photos, videos and messages of congratulations for this year’s graduates using the hashtags #NC2023Grad on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Follow Us
#NC2023Grad
Ceremony Information
June 16, 2023, at 5pm
All Graduates must arrive at 3:45PM
Oak Lawn High School Performing Arts Center
9439 Austin Ave.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Directions using Google Maps
Directions from the Northwestern College Oak Lawn Campus
- Starting on Cicero Avenue, turn right toward West 95th Street
- Turn right onto South Austin Ave.
Note: there is construction on 95th and Southwest Highway. Please allow extra time for travel.
All guests, including children of all ages, require a ticket. No balloons/noisemakers are allowed in the auditorium.
Share Your Success Story
We love to hear testimonial stories. Tell us why NC is the best college to start or continue your education by submitting your story here or leaving a Google review.

Graduation Cap Decoration Contest
Attention Graduates! Get creative and participate in the Graduation Cap Decorating Contest for a chance to win!
Entries will be accepted until Friday, June 16, 2023.
Official Contest Rules and Details
HOW TO ENTER
To enter, simply post a photo of your decorated graduation cap using #NC2023Grad and tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, or email directly to [email protected] on or before June 16, 2023.
Contest Dates
Entries can be submitted until Friday, June 16.
Winner Selection
One winner will be selected by NC's Commencement Committee based on quality, creativity and originality. Winner will be announced June 21 on our social media, website, and by direct message.
Prize
The winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
And the Winner Is
Miondra Nickson
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Graduation Cap Decoration Contest. We were amazed by the creativity and ingenuity of the submissions. With great pleasure, we are pleased to announce Miondra Nickson as our contest winner. Congratulations, and thank you to all the participants for making this contest a success.
Important Information
Ticket Information
Now that you ordered your cap and gown, it is time to pick up your tickets for your guests to celebrate with you on your day.
Graduates can pick up their tickets from Student Records located on the second floor beginning Monday, June 5, through Thursday, June 15 (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). Campus is closed on Fridays.
Ordering Cap and Gown
All graduates are required to pay the $100 graduation fee in order to receive the link to order their cap and gown, and attend the Commencement Ceremony. Please contact Records at 708-237-5050 ext. 2842 to make the payment over the phone.
Once the $100 graduation fee is paid, Records will forward you a link to order a cap and gown. The last day to order a cap and gown is May 23.
Receiving Diploma
All graduates are required to complete the following steps in order to receive their diploma or certificate. This includes the following:
- FINANCIAL AID – This step cannot be completed until the last week of your last quarter. Please visit studentloans.gov to complete your exit counseling. Once you log in, the exit counseling option will be under the “Manage Loans” tab; please contact the Financial Aid Department at [email protected] for further assistance if needed.
- BUSINESS OFFICE – School tuition and fees must be paid in full in order to receive your diploma or certificate. The Business Office will not release your degree if your account has gone delinquent.
- RECORDS OFFICE – Pay the $100 graduation fee, which covers all graduation costs, including diploma printing. Please contact [email protected] and provide a phone number that you can be contacted at for payment over the phone.
Once all steps are complete, please contact [email protected] so that we can verify completion of the steps above.