Congratulations and best wishes on your graduation

Graduation Messages and Quotes: Congratulatory notes for graduates are all about weaving inspirational words into quotes which motivate them to take life head on. Write something special on a greeting card for someone who has just graduated. If you’re going to give a speech, say something that embodies the spirit of being a fresh new graduate, ready to lock horns with destiny. Whether it is your son, daughter or friend – let your words make them realize the importance and power of education. Inspire them to use their college degrees to carve out brilliant careers for themselves. Play your part in making the world a better place, one inspired graduate at a time.

1) To succeed in life, align your education with your skills, goals and dreams. Good luck.

2) College opened your mind to a world of possibilities. Now open your mind to the impossible. Congratulations.

3) Life isn’t too different from college. You will make new friends and new enemies along the way. You will meet people who you fall in love with, and people you start to hate. There will be people who support you and people who will become the biggest naysayers. There will be victories, there will be defeats. Just keep going, work hard and aim to win. Congratulations for graduating.

4) Your career will take you through unknown twists and turns but it is your education which will be the pillar you can always lean on. Congratulations.

5) Congratulations – not just for graduating with a master’s degree, but for finally becoming the master of your own destiny.

6) Go forth in life to achieve your dreams, but don’t forget the reasons and the people who make the journey worth the trouble. Congratulations.

7) Your degree is not just a piece of paper. It is the set of wings that will help you fly away and burst out of the horizon into a new world called YOUR LIFE. Congratulations.

8) You may have graduated today, but you were a winner in our eyes since the very beginning. Congratulations.

9) Nothing in life can take away the lessons you have learnt while walking along the road to success. Congratulations for graduating.

10) Nothing can prepare you for the real world, not even college – just like how nothing could prepare you for college, not even school. Congratulations.

11) You fought battles, overcame obstacles. You had a goal, gave it your soul. You worked hard, went the extra yard. You gave it your all, today you stand tall. Congratulations.

12) Your graduation marks the culmination of all the hard work you have put through your life as a student. Enjoy it, savor it and bask in the delight of achieving your goals. You have made us proud. Congratulations.

13) Your graduation marks the end of studying and the beginning of life’s real learning. Congratulations.

14) Education is about understanding the possibilities that the world has to offer. Being successful in life is about understanding the possibilities that you can create by yourself. Good luck.

15) Congratulations for graduating with flying colors. Now go out there and start minting those dollars.

16) Thought graduating was tough? Wait till you get a boss. Congratulations.

17) We made sure that you went into a good college because we believed in you. But you graduated, because you believed in yourself. Congratulations.

18) Your graduation ceremony is a celebration of the fact that you are now ready to go out there and make the world a better place. Congratulations.

19) The power of education can’t be measured, unless you count its power to create a career, a life, provide for a family and most importantly – pave the way for a better tomorrow. Congratulations on getting yours.

20) Congratulations for graduating. Hereon, forward is the only way in life. All the best.

21) Life is simple – make the right choices and back them up with plain old hard work. Congratulations on graduating.

22) In your eyes you may be a graduate with a fancy degree from a fancy college but don’t forget that in our eyes you will always be the little boy who cried until he got his candy. Congratulations.

23) As a student, today is a proud moment for you to graduate. As your parents, today is a proud moment for us to see our son finally stand up on his own feet. Congratulations.

24) Now that you have graduated you can finally start EARNING but you will never stop LEARNING. Congratulations.

25) May your graduation be the beginning of many more wonderful achievements in your life. Congratulations.

26) Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one. Congratulations.

27) You studied hard in high school to get into a good college. You toiled through your semesters to come out as a fine young graduate, ready to take on the world. Let your life so far be an example, that hard work always pays. Congratulations.

28) On your graduation just remember one thing – always look back to your education, never your mistakes. Congratulations.

29) We hope that your graduation ceremony is awesome, and that it is the beginning of many good things to come. Congratulations.

30) May your graduation ceremony be the spark that lights up the fireworks of success and happiness in your life. Congratulations.

31) No matter where you are, no matter what you do, never stop believing in the genius within you. Congratulations on your graduation.

32) You’ve fought your battles well. Now it is time to rest and celebrate. But don’t take it too easy. You have to prepare to fight the biggest battle of them all – it’s called LIFE. Congratulations on graduating.

33) Congratulations on your graduation. You are almost there. Now all you have to do is go out there and show the world what you are made of.

34) People can rob you of your money but they can never rob you of your education. Congratulations for securing yours.

35) Your graduation ceremony is not the end of a long journey. It is the beginning of a longer one which will make college seem like a little speck in the bigger scheme of things life will offer. Congratulations.

36) Chase your dreams, burst out at the seams. Never stop trying, never stop learning. Live life to the fullest, give it nothing but your best. Congratulations.

37) Sorry to spoil your party but graduating from college is just the first among many other challenging steps you’re about to face in life. And the worst part is that, the rest of them won’t even be half the fun. Good luck.

38) Congratulations on graduating. You have just secured for yourself a better tomorrow, by being responsible and taking charge of your life today.

39) You may have graduated from college but you will never graduate from learning in life. Congratulations.

40) Your degree may get you a good job but only hard work will give you a good career. Good luck and congratulations.

Picking the gift can be the easy part. What should you write in the graduation card? In this post, you’ll find 78 ready to use wishes, messages, quotes, and sentiments, plus tips for customizing what to write in a graduation card. Plus some tips about what to avoid. Let’s get started!

More Reading: 64 Best Gifts for College Students

What to Write in a Graduation Card (Quick Quote Guide)

You’re proud of a special graduate, and congratulations are in order, but what to write in a graduation card? You want to say just the right thing to let your graduate know you wish them well, but you’re not exactly a wordsmith.

So, what do you do? We’ve got the solution for you right here!

Refer to this guide that we’ve organized with 78 quotes from across the web. Whether it’s general well-wishes, funny quotes, personal messages for a family member, or sentimental expressions, we’ve got it covered for you.

78 graduation quotes? Yes, I know – that’s a lot. If you want a shortcut, just choose the one bolded message in each section. These are my favorites and should make the process much faster.

15 Graduation Wishes and Congratulations

1. “Wishing you the very best on your graduation day and beyond. Congratulations!”
2. “Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for your next adventure!”
3. “Great results come from hard work. Well done!”
4. “Congrats on your successful graduation.”
5. “We’re proud of all of your accomplishments. Congratulations graduate!”
6. “Best wishes for your future. Congratulations.”
7. “Congrats on graduating! I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. May success always find you.”
8. “Cheers to the new graduate – let’s celebrate your success! I’m sending you my best wishes for a successful future.”
9. “I wish you the best as you step ahead towards new challenges in life. Congrats and may all your other dreams be fulfilled.”
10. “Congrats on your outstanding achievement. Wishing you all the best for the future and all its challenges and opportunities.”
11. “Job well done! Here’s to your exciting new future and all the happiness that comes with it.”
12. “Congratulations graduate! I am confident you will continue to succeed in life. Keep up the good work.”
13. “Kudos for completing this important life step. Remember to always keep climbing the staircase.”
14. “Today is your day. Wishing you all the best for what life now has in store for you.”
15. “Wishing you many more successes in the future. Congratulations graduate!”

10 Funny Graduation Messages

1. “Hard work: check! Good grades: check! Make some money: more checks!”
2. “Congratulations on your graduation. Education is the key to unlocking your potential. The diploma helps a little too.”
3. “We’re all so proud of you. Now that you’ve got your degree, you’ll be buying the beer, right?”
4. “You’ve worked so hard and successfully completed your studies. Now the real work begins with your new teacher – LIFE!”
5. “Congratulations! Now you can finally start getting paid for all your hard work.”
6. “Good looks, brains, heart, and now a diploma too? You’ve really got it all! Congrats!”
7. “Don’t forget to thank those who were always there for you during your time at school: Caffeine, Ramen, and Wikipedia.”
8. “My hope for you is that your amazing college memories last longer than your student loans.”
9. “Congratulations on getting through the easier part of life! Best wishes on the road ahead.”
10. “Your brain is now worth thousands! You have the receipt to prove it!”

10 Card Messages for High School Grads

1. “High school graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one…”
2. “Congrats! [Future college] should be thrilled to have you!”
3. “[College/ trade school/ job] will be such an exciting endeavor. Congratulations!”
4. “Even with the added stress of [list their extra-curricular activities], you succeeded with flying colors. Congratulations!”
5. “High school graduation is an exciting time. It marks both an ending and a beginning; it’s warm memories of the past and big dreams for the future.”
6. “Congratulations on your high school graduation! We can’t wait to see what exciting things you’ll do next.”
7. “We’re very proud of you for graduating high school, and happy about your college acceptance! Best of wishes on the road ahead.”
8. “Congratulations on your high school graduation! It’s been an honor to watch you learn and grow, and we are very proud of the young woman/man that you are today.”
9. “Congratulations on graduating high school. All the best starting college this fall, and be sure to visit us when you’re back in town!”
10. “There are few times in life when you’ll put as much work into a single accomplishment as you did for the last four years. Celebrate!”

How are your tissue paper skills? Here’s how to properly put tissue paper in a gift bag.

11 Wishes for College Graduation Cards

1. “Congratulations on completing your college degree. Your hard work and determination is inspiring.”
2. “May your degree unlock many doors to the success you very well deserve. Congratulations!”
3. “A hearty congratulations on your college graduation and wishing you the best for the new beginning in life. May you reach all your goals.”
4. “Congratulations on your outstanding achievement! Looking back, it was all worth it. Wishing you the best in the wonderful career you have chosen.”
5. “Be proud of yourself. Many people never even start college, and many of those who do don’t finish. You did.”
6. “For all the lack of sleep, late-night studies and hard work, your reward is here. Congratulations to you.”
7. “This degree is a stepping stone to assist you in realizing your full potential. Congratulations!”
8. “You worked so hard for this degree, but it is everything that you learned that will propel you to success.”
9. “Congratulations on your hard-earned degree. As is often said, ‘Find a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life’.” We hope you find just the right job for YOU!”
10. “Congrats on your college graduation! Wishing you all the best in your chosen vocation.”
11. “Can’t wait to celebrate your college graduation! You probably have a great bash planned, especially with all the experience under your belt.”

15 Graduation Sentiments for Friends and Family

1. “We’re proud of your accomplishments and the person you’ve become. Congratulations.”
2. “Congrats on your graduation. We bet you feel like you can take on the world, and you can. But remember we’ll always be here for you.”
3. “From when you were a little kid until today, you have only given us reasons to hold our heads up in pride. We are so happy to have you in our life. Congratulations and best wishes for a successful career.”
4. “We are so amazed at how smart, caring and wonderful you are every day- we can not wait to see the places you go! You can do anything. We love you.”
5. “Congratulations on your graduation, son/daughter. We are so proud to see our little bundle of joy grow into such a fine, mature adult. Continue doing us proud. Best wishes in your future. We love you.”
6. “One degree = two happy parents! Congrats!”
7. “Today you have made your uncle/aunt proud, my dear nephew/niece. I would like to congratulate you on the successful completion of your graduation.”
8. “I still remember when your parents brought you home. Now I get the chance to remember this incredible milestone in your life. Congratulations on your graduation! I am so proud of you.”
9. “What a wonderful young woman/man you have become! Calling you a graduate is a proud occasion, and I know that your future is brightest of them all. Congratulations on this special time in your life.”
10. “Congratulations my friend on being a graduate. I hope that this is just the foundation of many accomplishments to come. It’s time for you to celebrate because today is the day you graduate.”
11. “All of your hard work is paying off my friend. Congrats and let’s celebrate.”
12. “We believed. You achieved. Way to go kiddo!”
13. “This wasn’t the first, and it won’t be the last time we get to brag about you.”
14. “I’m so happy that our friendship survived through these hectic times. Congratulations, I am proud of you!”
15. “Know what makes your graduation extra special? It’s having watched you grow up, sharing amazing memories with you, and knowing all the challenges you’ve worked through to get to this day. You did it, kid.”

9 Sentimental Graduation Sentiments

1. “Remember that you can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. Congratulations on your graduation. We couldn’t be more proud.”
2. “Prayers and blessings on your graduation and for your future.”
3. “Take this great achievement and turn your dreams into your plans.”
4. “Happy graduation day. Always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know. Congrats we love you.”
5. “Remember to embrace life with passion and keep reaching for the stars.”
6. “Chasing a dream requires hard work, passion, and many sacrifices. We can’t wait to see you accomplish everything your heart desires.”
7. “Today is only the first of many amazing moments and I know life has many more in store for you.”
8. “The journey of life brings both challenges and chances. May you snatch the chances and beat the challenges. Congratulations on graduating.”
9. “Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one. Start each day believing in yourself and watch the magic happen.”

8 Sarcastic Graduation Quotes

1. “Now that you’ve graduated, maybe you will be smart enough to figure out how to pay back your student loans.”
2. “We don’t know how you managed to get your degree with all the partying, sports, sleeping, and extracurricular activities, but we’re glad you did. Congrats.”
3. “All that hard work for a piece of paper? Congratulations on getting your piece of paper.”
4. “It’s been such a long journey. Did you ever think the day would finally come? I didn’t either!”
5. “Congrats on filling a minimum job requirement!”
6. “Even though I’m upset about losing my bet, congratulations on graduating! Just kidding, I always knew you could do it.”
7. “Hate to break it to you, but that was the easiest part of your adult life.”
8. “Do you realize that now you’ll be PAID to work instead of paying to work?”

1. The graduate’s personality type

When deciding on what to write in a graduation card, it’s important to think about the graduate’s personality type. You don’t want to write a message that could be taken the wrong way.

One graduate may have a humorous personality and enjoy a funny quote while another may be more serious and appreciate a sentimental note.

2. Attending the commencement ceremony (or not)

Whether you’re attending the commencement ceremony or not has much bearing on your graduation card message. For example, if you are attending the ceremony, your message could be something like this:

• “Congratulations! It’s an honor to be a part of your graduation day and watch you walk across the stage to receive your diploma.”

If you can’t make it to the ceremony, you can still choose a message that lets the graduate know your thoughts are with them on their special day. For example:

• “Thinking of you with love and pride on your graduation day.”
• “Even though we’ll miss seeing you in your cap and gown, we would never miss this chance to tell you we’re proud of you.”

3. Words of encouragement

Graduation is an exciting time, but it can also be scary for the graduate as well because he/she is venturing into a whole new chapter of life. If you’re older or more experienced, your message can offer encouraging words to build the graduate up and give them direction.

• ‘Whatever you do, never stop learning, exploring, growing and challenging yourself to be your best.”
• “Wherever the road leads, remember we will always be there to support and cheer you on.”

4. When the graduate is a close friend or relative

Your message can be personal and extra special if the graduate is a close friend or relative because you can mention childhood memories or past experiences like this:

• “It seems like just yesterday you were just starting school and now, you’re receiving your diploma. It’s been a joy to watch you grow and achieve so much these past four years.”

Need to fill out a graduation card? Here’s what to write in a graduation card.

What NOT to Write in a Graduation Card: 4 Things

1. Don’t be bossy. A graduation card is an opportunity for you to encourage the graduate, so refrain from telling them what they should or shouldn’t do. Give them helpful advice without being bossy.

• “I hope you feel great about what you’ve accomplished, and I hope you’ll continue to be a person who shows up day in and day out for those things that are worthwhile and important in life.”

2. Don’t mention embarrassing memories. A graduate should feel confident and pleased with their accomplishments. Don’t bring up an embarrassing mistake they’ve made in the past.

3. Don’t use sarcasm or risky jokes unless you’re sure the graduate will take it in good humor.

4. Don’t tell the graduate what jobs to take. You may know of job openings or people with influence, but this is not what to write in a graduation card. Save it for another time.

6 Tips About Writing a Graduation Card

1. Polish and fix mistakes

Before you pen your message in the graduation card, handwrite it on paper or type it in a word processor so that you can edit and polish it. You might even go one step further and use a grammar tool, like Grammarly, to get your message just right.

2. Tell them you’re proud of them

Let the graduate know you are happy and proud of them for doing what it took to reach graduation.

• “You are an achiever. You have made us all proud; keep up the good work. Congratulations on graduation.”

3. Be specific

Mention distinguished awards and accomplishments. Describe how much the graduate has grown and flourished over the time you’ve known them.

• “Congratulations on graduating with honors. We’re so proud of you!”
• “You’ve always been a hard worker driven by your passions and dreams. Congratulations!”

4. Personalize the message

Mention the name of the graduate’s college or degree that they earned.

• “Congratulations on earning your bachelor degree. We know you worked so hard for it.”

5. Be reassuring

Reassure them of their future with encouraging words and wise advice.

• “Congratulations! Make sure that you treat your education as a springboard and not a finish line.”
• “Congrats on your outstanding achievement. Wishing you all the best for the future and all its challenges and opportunities.”

6. End with a personal expression

Send them off with love and well-wishes for future success and happiness.

• “To a happy ending and a new beginning. Wishing you the best on your new chapter. Congratulations!”

Sign off with sincere and heartfelt phrases such as:

• “Lots of love,”
• “Wishing you the best in life,”
• “With love and pride today and always!”
• “You did it! Wishing you all the best!”

Note: Some of the graduation quotes are from/inspired by the following sources: Shutterfly, Greeting Card Poet, Hallmark, Gifts.com, Good Housekeeping, American Greetings, and Leanin’ Tree.

Your turn

Whether it’s a sibling, child, grandchild, niece or nephew, friend or neighbor, chances are there’s always someone you know who is graduating soon.

Keep this guide of 78 quotes handy, and you’ll never need to worry again about what to write in a graduation card.

Have a tip or graduation message to add? Let us know below!

Graduations offer us an opportunity to pat our friends and loved ones on the back for persevering to complete studies or training of some kind. Your girlfriend will appreciate a message of encouragement and love on her graduation day.

Here are some beautiful and reassuring wishes to send to her as you both celebrate the remarkable occasion of her graduation from school.

• My head just got swollen, and I can’t stop talking about you to my friends. Congratulations, my one and only love for being the overall best graduate. May God’s blessings continue to be showered upon you.
• Congratulations! I saw your success from afar. You are an inspiration to me, and I know I can do it too because you are by my side. May all your dreams come true in incredibly spectacular ways.
• I have no doubt our future is going to be great. You have proven to me you are for real. Now what next? Maybe our wedding plans. Congratulations, my sweet love! May beautiful achievements like this graduation continue to accompany your life.

• Congratulations, sweetheart! Thank you for making both of us proud. I made the right pick. May you never stop shinning.
• Your graduation today makes me believe that dreams are to be worked at. You never stop pushing, and I now see the result. Keep making me proud everywhere you go. Congratulations.
• So you are really smart! I thought you only blabbed to get my attention. Congratulations! You are my woman and my forever love. I’m so proud to be with you.
• Not only are you an extremely beautiful woman but you are also remarkably intelligent. I am truly blessed by the heavens to have you in my life. Congratulations. I love you. Stay blessed.

I’m so proud of you!

• Congratulations, my one and only sweet love. You did it in an absolutely outstanding way! May you never stop accomplishing remarkable things.
• Sweetheart, I am encouraged by your success today to give life my best shot. From today, you are my mentor. Warmest congratulations to you for teaching me it is possible. May your life never stop glittering.
• It is all over now! And you have won for yourself a bright future. Congratulations to you, my love. I can’t wait to see you shine brighter than the sun.
• I am highly elated on this beautiful day because the love of my life has achieved a great feat. No one else could be happier than me. Keep on shinning, baby. Congratulations!
• Congratulations, dear darling! Keep flying all the way to the top. I am your number one fan…today and forever. I know from the bottom of my heart that your prosperity in life will know no bounds. I love you.
• I have never doubted your great potentials, and today it is confirmed. Congrats!
• Baby, you are the best graduating student, and I couldn’t be prouder. I can’t stop boasting about you. Congratulations!

• As you go out there, be who you truly are, a hardworking and determined young woman. But hey, tell all the guys you meet that I say you are taken. Congratulations! I love you.
• What a joy it is to see you graduating in such an outstanding way! Congratulations my best friend and the love of my love.
• Congratulations, dearest girlfriend. I am going to celebrate you for a longtime because greatness awaits you out there.
• Your graduation day is definitely one of the happiest days of my life. I’m more than proud to have such a phenomenal girl like you in my life. May the smile that beautifies your face today never fade. Congrats, baby.

Congratulations. Stunning and Smart!

• Congratulations for not allowing anything to water down your dreams. I love you, my sweetie pie. Never stop having faith in your dreams, for I believe you have the power to achieve all of them.
• Baby, I send you heartfelt congratulatory wishes on your graduation today. May God be with you as you go out fully to contribute your worth to the world. Well done.
• Your dreams of becoming a graduate have now become a wonderful reality. I can’t put into words how highly elated and proud I am to be your boyfriend. Big congrats to you, darling!
• Congratulations on graduating, my dear! I know you will make it very big in this lifetime. May God always walk with you and bless you.
• Your graduation today is the beginning of another wonderful phase of your life. I can’t wait to share that awesome life with you. Congratulations, my love.
• Sending very hearty congratulations to the apple of my eye. Sweetheart, just like my love for you has no limits, may your successes in life after this amazing graduation also have no limits. So proud and glad to call myself your boyfriend.

I’m so proud of you!

• What a great warrior queen you are! You made it in such a grand style! No words in the dictionary are profound enough to tell you how utterly proud I am of you. Congratulations, sweetheart!
• You gave this day a hot chase, and girl, you run and won well. Congratulations! May all you do after today be blessed by God. Congratulations to you again, my love.
• Special congratulations to you for being the best. Keep being the hero that you are, and know that when you succeed in anything, you fill my heart with incredible joy.
• Babe, I am humbled by your success. The future looks promising for us as I am learning from you and getting closer to my own dreams each day. Congratulations, my love.
• The qualities of an achiever are written all over you. With my prying eyes, I made the perfect choice. Congratulations on your graduation, sweetheart.
• You are being crowned today for winning a race that seemed impossible to many. I have always believed in your determination. Never stop winning for us, baby. Congratulations, and l love you.

• Your graduation is surely an outstanding achievement, sweetheart. Congratulations, and may your hard work continue to produce unequalled rewards.
• I could go on and on and list all the hurdles you went through to clinch this amazing victory. Words will never be able to express how elated I am about your success. Congratulations.
• Special hearty congratulations to you for being the best. Keep being the hero that you are, and know that when you succeed in anything, you make me smile. I pray you keep succeeding all the days of your life.
• Congratulations for crossing another great mile! The amazing thing is you never stop winning. Congratulations, my wonderful first class graduate girlfriend!

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