Application Process

Mean Green Gowns for Grads supports first-generation college students, DACA students, and low-income students at the University of North Texas, but all students are eligible to apply. Our goal is to ease some of the financial hardships associated with graduation and promote sustainable practices by reusing donated gowns. We strive to ensure that all eligible students can participate in the celebration of this significant academic achievement.

Relevant dates for students graduating in Fall 2026:

Applications Open: Wednesday, September 23

Applications Close: Friday, October 23

PhD Applicants ONLY - applications will close earlier than 10/23/26 - check back once the fall semester is underway

Information on alternative PhD rentals, as well as masters and undergraduate purchase deadlines, can be found here.

Timeline for applications: 

1. Complete the application form with the necessary information and required details. Late applications will not be accepted.

2. The Diamond Eagle Student Resource Center will process your application and assess your eligibility.

3. If your application is approved, you will receive information on how to borrow your graduation caps and gowns free of cost from the Diamond Eagles Student Resource Center.

As part of our sustainability efforts, graduates who do not participate in this rental program can donate their used gowns after their graduation ceremony, contributing to the reuse effort and ensuring no student is left behind.

If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding the application process, feel free to contact the Diamond Eagle Student Resource Center at desresources@unt.edu or call 940-565-4587.

Our Mission

At Mean Green Gowns for Grads, we support the academic accomplishments of low-income and first-generation University of North Texas students by providing free rentals of graduation regalia. Graduation is a significant milestone in students' lives. We strive to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their ability to participate in this important celebration.          

We are proud to promote environmental responsibility and social consciousness with our gown rental program. Traditional graduation gowns are generally made of polyester, a petroleum-based fabric that does not biodegrade. These keepsake gowns are typically only worn once and then thrown away. Constructed with the same chemical compound used to make plastic water bottles, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester gowns do not fully decompose in landfills. Research shows that it takes 450 years for items made with PET to break down in landfills (LeBlanc, 2019). By offering free graduation caps and gowns to our students, we celebrate their academic achievements in an inclusive and sustainable way.

The Mean Green Gowns for Grads program began with a generous donation of nearly one hundred gowns and has steadily expanded over time. We are grateful to UNT alumni Erin and Kyle Hogue for their gracious donation, which allowed us to establish a dedicated space for the gowns.

Funding plays a vital role in sustaining our program and ensuring its success. The We Mean Green Fund (WMGF) plays a crucial role in this initiative. In 2021, they generously granted us $11,000, a fund that allowed for the launch and continuation of this project. We were grateful to receive an additional $8,000 from the WMGF in 2022. This funding has been instrumental in allowing us to expand our efforts, procure additional regalia, and facilitate professional wet cleaning—a sustainable, carbon-neutral alternative to conventional dry-cleaning methods.

We accept donations of gently used UNT caps and gowns, including the green gowns adopted by UNT in 2015, as well as gowns from masters and doctoral programs. Together, we can ensure that every student can walk across the stage and celebrate their hard-earned academic success.

LeBlanc, R. (2019, October 29). The decomposition of waste in landfills. The Balance Small Business.https://www.liveabout.com/how-long-does-it-take-garbage-to-decompose-2878033

Donations & Support

Graduation is a significant milestone in the lives of many students, marking the culmination of their academic journey. However, not all students can afford the expenses associated with regalia. To address these financial inequities, Mean Green Gowns for Grads provides eligible students with a free rental of graduation caps and gowns. The program also extends its impact beyond financial assistance, embracing sustainability by reducing waste through the reuse of caps and gowns. By participating in Mean Green Gowns for Grads, eligible graduates not only receive support for their graduation but also contribute to a greener and more environmentally responsible commencement.

How You Can Help: 
Donate Your Gown If you are a UNT alum, you can make a meaningful impact by donating your UNT graduation regalia. Your gown will be lent to current students who may not have the means to acquire one, ensuring that they get to experience the joy of walking across the stage and celebrating their academic achievements.  

Donate your gown at the following locations:
Diamond Eagle Student Resource Center  (in the former Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life building)
621 S. Welch St
Denton, TX 76201

UNT Alumni Center

801 N Texas Blvd. 

Denton, TX 76201

 

Mail to:
Mean Green Gowns for Grads
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle #305008
Denton, Texas 76203-5017

If you do not have a gown but would like to contribute to this program,  you can give online through UNT Advancement here by writing in 'Mean Green Gowns for Grads' with the 'other' option on the drop down. Below is a breakdown of what your contribution would provide to students. (Note: your contribution will supply whatever is most needed at the time of donation and does not guarantee to purchase a specific item below.)

• $11 cleans one gown using environmentally conscious practices 
• $62.94 - price of one bachelor's package
• $129.92 - price of one master's package 
• $184.92 - price of one master's of fine arts package
• $1,331.94 - price of one doctoral package

For questions, email us at desresources@unt.edu or call us at 940-565-4587.