Recognize cum laude, NHS, Phi Beta Kappa, and chapter-specific achievements with premium twisted honor cords. Free artwork in 24 hours, MOQ just 10, price-match guarantee, and net-30 terms for districts and chapters.
What Are Honor Cords (and How Are They Different from Tassels and Stoles)?
Honor cords are slim, twisted-rope regalia about 60 inches long, finished with tassels at both ends. Graduates wear them looped around the neck so the tassel ends hang at chest level. They are awarded for specific academic achievements — most commonly Latin honors, honor society membership, GPA thresholds, departmental distinctions, and military or service recognitions.
- Tassels hang from the mortarboard cap. One tassel per graduate, usually in school colors with a year charm.
- Stoles are flat sashes draped over the shoulders, usually embroidered with chapter names, club logos, or cultural symbols.
- Honor cords are twisted ropes worn around the neck. A graduate may wear several, layered, if they have earned multiple distinctions.
Honor Cord Colors and Academic Conventions
Latin Honors Cord Colors
| Latin Honor | Typical GPA Range | Common Cord Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Cum laude | 3.5 – 3.69 | Gold, or single school color |
| Magna cum laude | 3.7 – 3.89 | Gold & white, or gold & silver |
| Summa cum laude | 3.9 – 4.0+ | Gold double cord, or gold & purple |
Honor Society Cord Colors
| Honor Society | Official Cord Colors |
|---|---|
| National Honor Society (NHS) | Gold & white |
| National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) | Blue & gold |
| Phi Beta Kappa | Navy blue & pink |
| Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) | Gold & blue |
| Phi Kappa Phi | Gold & blue |
| Beta Club | Gold (HS), black & gold (Jr) |
| NSLS | Silver & black |
| Mu Alpha Theta (math) | Gold & black |
| Tri-M Music Honor Society | Red & white |
Need cords for multiple honor societies in one order? We bundle and label by recipient so distribution is simple on awards night.
Customization Options
- Color combinations: Solid, two-color twist, or three-color braid for premium awards.
- Length: 48″ (junior high), 60″ (HS/college), 72″ (extra-long for layered wear).
- Tassel ends: Matching, contrasting, or metallic gold/silver bullion for top-tier honors.
- Year charms: “2026” or “2027” metal charm.
- Chapter charms: Custom metal medallions with chapter seal (artwork free; one-time tooling fee).
- Printed cord tags: Woven tags listing the honor name.
- Individual labeling: Each cord pre-bagged with recipient’s name printed on the label.
Bulk Pricing Tiers
| Quantity | Per-Cord Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 10 – 24 | $8.95 | Small chapters, departmental honors |
| 25 – 49 | $7.50 | Mid-size NHS / honor society chapters |
| 50 – 99 | $6.25 | Large high school chapters |
| 100 – 249 | $5.40 | District-wide, mid-size colleges |
| 250 – 499 | $4.80 | University departments |
| 500+ | Custom — contact us | Large universities, multi-campus |
MOQ is 10 cords per design. Price-match guarantee against any written competing quote.
Ordering Timeline
- 10–12 weeks before: Submit inquiry with estimated quantity range. We hold a production slot.
- 6–8 weeks before: Confirm color combinations, charm artwork, quantity. Receive free digital proof within 24 hours.
- 4–5 weeks before: Approve proof and PO. Production begins.
- 2–3 weeks before: Cords arrive, sorted and labeled if requested.
- Graduation day: Distribute at awards ceremony.
Rush production available in as little as 7 business days for standard colors (no custom charms).
Who Orders Honor Cords From Us
- High school principals and counselors running Latin honors recognition, valedictorian/salutatorian cords.
- NHS, NJHS, Beta Club advisors ordering official-color cords for inducted seniors.
- College and university registrars managing Latin honors regalia.
- Honor society chapter presidents (Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, PTK, Mu Alpha Theta).
- School district procurement offices consolidating regalia orders across campuses on a single PO.
We are PO-friendly and offer net-30 terms to verified schools, districts, and universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the MOQ?
10 cords per design. If a small chapter only needs 5, we still produce them — priced at the 10-cord tier.
Free artwork and proofs?
Yes. Artwork, color matching, and digital proofs are always free. First proof within 24 hours. No setup fees.
Can graduates wear multiple cords?
Yes. Many graduates wear 3-5 cords representing different distinctions. Cords are designed to layer.
How are cords different from tassels?
Tassels hang from the cap and represent the school/class year. Honor cords are worn around the neck and represent specific academic achievements.
Net-30 terms?
Yes. PO-friendly, no credit application for verified schools/districts/chapters. Send a PO on school letterhead.
Price-match policy?
Yes — send any written competing quote and we’ll match or beat it on equivalent specs.
NHS colors?
Official NHS colors are gold and white. We produce whatever your chapter advisor specifies.
Rush turnaround?
Standard colors with no custom charms ship in as little as 7 business days.
Ready to order honor cords for your graduating class, chapter, or department? Get a free quote with no commitment.
Honor cord color conventions vary by institution and honor society. The Latin honors GPA ranges and honor society color combinations listed reflect common conventions in U.S. schools and are provided for general guidance only. Always confirm with your institution’s registrar or chapter advisor before placing a final order. Pricing tiers shown are starting prices; final pricing depends on configuration, add-ons, and quantity.