Record numbers of graduates from Cornwall College, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School donned cap and gown to collect their degrees this year.
Hundreds of family and friends filled the pews at Truro Cathedral to watch the traditional graduation ceremony.
Some 900 students passed degree level courses at one of the college's sites in Camborne, Newquay, St Austell, Saltash, Falmouth, Stoke Climsland and Rosewarne.
Others achieved their academic dream through the county's School of Education and Training and the Centre for Housing Support, based in Worcester.
Of the 900, some 500 attended one of two ceremonies held at the cathedral.
Dave Linnell, principal of Cornwall College, said: "It's always a pleasure to see graduates surrounded by their proud family and friends on such a happy occasion.
"They fully deserve the recognition they receive for their achievements and successes and I wish them all the best for their futures."
The college also celebrated the news that enrolments for 2012 have matched last year's. Mr Linnell added: "The importance of higher education is crucial to the growth of the economy of Cornwall and the college's role is pivotal in this.
"We are committed to the development of degree level courses and we are delighted that our enrolments in September matched the high level of recent years."
