A drunk driving conviction as a student can lead to license suspension, lost scholarships, and long-term damage to your future.
Graduation season is a time to celebrate big achievements. High school and college seniors are wrapping up years of hard work. It’s a time filled with parties, trips, and memories. But one risky decision, like driving under the influence, can turn your celebration into a lifelong regret.
DUIs often increase during prom and graduation season. And for students, the consequences can be serious. A graduation season DUI can lead to losing your license, scholarship, or even job opportunities in the future.
If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, DUI.org can help. We offer support and guidance on what to do next. Whether you need help finding affordable SR-22 or FR-44 insurance, installing an ignition interlock device, or understanding your next steps, you can call our support specialists at (877) 246-7808 for more assistance. This blog is meant to be informational and not legal advice.
Why Graduation Season Is a High-Risk Time for DUIs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underage drinking causes about 4,300 deaths each year. It’s not just about legal trouble; it's about life and death. The National Institutes of Health reports that teens who start drinking young are seven times more likely to be involved in an alcohol-related crash. These sobering facts highlight how dangerous graduation season can be for young drivers.
Celebrations Often Include Alcohol
Graduation parties, proms, and end-of-year events often involve alcohol, even for those under 21. Underage drinking is illegal, but that doesn’t stop many students from taking part. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your driving ability, especially if you’re young and inexperienced.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens, and alcohol makes that risk even worse. In 2023, 30% of drivers aged 15–20 who were killed in crashes had some alcohol in their system. Among drivers aged 21–24, drunk driving rates were the highest of any age group.
Increased Police Presence and DUI Checkpoints
During graduation season, law enforcement is on high alert. Police often set up DUI checkpoints and increase patrols. These checkpoints are used to stop and check for drunk drivers. If you're driving while impaired, your chances of being caught are much higher during this time.
To learn more about what happens at a DUI checkpoint, check out our blog on Are DUI Checkpoints Legal?.
What Are the DUI Consequences for Students?
A DUI during graduation season can shift your life in an instant. The impact can last for years. Here’s some DUI consequences you might face:
- Court appearances and legal fees
- Jail time or probation
- License suspension
- Required DUI classes or use of a car breathalyzer device
- Damage to your reputation
- School or team suspensions
- Lost scholarships or job opportunities
Graduation Season DUI: Financial Impacts
A DUI during graduation season can cost thousands of dollars. Between legal fees, fines, and other penalties, the total cost may reach between $6,000 and $28,000 depending on your state’s requirements and your previous DUI history.
Families often have to help cover these expenses. Use our DUI cost estimator to see how the costs can add up, and explore options for affordable high-risk insurance and interlock devices.
Can a DUI Affect Scholarships, Loans, or College Enrollment?
Getting arrested as a student caught drinking and driving can have lasting effects that go far beyond the night of the incident. A graduation season DUI may cause you to lose scholarships, face school suspension or expulsion, and be removed from academic or athletic teams. It can also hurt your chances of being accepted into graduate programs or landing internships.
According to Federal Student Aid, DUI convictions do not impact eligibility for federal financial aid. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form doesn't ask about DUI charges or alcohol-related offenses. However, private scholarships, grants, or schools may have their own rules and could deny funding based on a DUI conviction.
Will a DUI as a Student Affect Job Prospects?
For new graduates entering the workforce, a DUI can show up in a background check, which may hurt your chances of getting hired. Some employers will ask about any criminal records during the hiring process.
If you already have a job and are convicted of a DUI, you might need to disclose your DUI. However, there is a difference between being arrested for DUI and being convicted of a DUI. Learn more about when you may need to disclose this information to an employer.
Social DUI Consequences for Students
The consequences of a DUI during graduation season aren’t just legal or financial. You can face social and stigma-related consequences too. A DUI charge can change how people see you, especially in tight-knit communities of a high school or college campus.
Being a student caught drinking and driving may also result in disciplinary action from your school, losing leadership roles, missing out on activities, or facing judgment from classmates and teachers.
Long-Term DUI Consequences for Graduates
A DUI doesn’t just go away after graduation. It can stay on your record for years and affect:
- Job applications
- Renting an apartment
- Graduate school acceptance
How to Avoid a DUI During Graduation Season
Plan for a Sober Ride Home
Decide how you’ll get home before the party starts. Use a rideshare app, get a ride from someone sober, or stay the night. Don’t wait until you’ve been drinking to figure it out.
Know Your Limits and the Law
If you’re under 21, most states have zero-tolerance laws. That means even a tiny amount of alcohol could lead to a DUI. And even if you're over 21, driving while impaired is still a crime, even if your BAC is below the legal limit.
Support Friends in Making Good Decisions
Don’t let your friends drive drunk. Take their keys, help them get a ride, or offer them a safe place to stay. You might feel awkward, but you could save a life.
What to Do If You or a Friend Gets a DUI After Graduation
Legal Steps to Take After a DUI
If you get a DUI, the first step is to talk to a DUI attorney. They can help you understand your rights and what to expect in DUI court.
You’ll likely need to take DUI classes, pay fines, and possibly install an ignition interlock device.
Coping with the Emotional Impact of a DUI
Getting arrested for a DUI during graduation season can be scary and embarrassing. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Talk to someone you trust, whether it’s a parent, teacher, counselor, or mental health professional. There’s help available.
Getting a DUI as a New Graduate: Common Questions
How many college students get a DUI?
Thousands of students are arrested for DUI each year, with numbers increasing during graduation season.
What happens if a college student gets a DUI?
A DUI can lead to license suspension, court-mandated programs, fines, loss of scholarships, and disciplinary actions from school.
Can I lose a scholarship because of a DUI?
Yes. Many schools and scholarship programs have strict conduct rules for students and a DUI charge can be a violation to their behavior clauses.
Will a DUI affect job applications after graduation?
Yes. A DUI might appear on background checks and make it harder to get a job after graduation.
Hope for Students Caught Drinking and Driving
A DUI during graduation season is serious, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Knowing how to navigate the process can help you move beyond a DUI.
Explore DUI.org’s guides and resources to stay safe this graduation season. If a DUI is already impacting your life, our DUI specialists can help you explore options like car breathalyzers or SR-22 insurance to get you back on the road as safely and swiftly as possible. Contact us today to talk to a specialist.
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