Here's Exactly What to Write in Your Graduation Card to Congratulate the Class of 2024

Whether you’re celebrating in person, or sending your sister, brother, or friend a graduation card in your absence, wish the new graduate in your life all the best on their hard work and future successes with these thoughtful graduation wishes. No matter if your daughter, son, or distant relative is celebrating their preschool graduation, high school graduation, college graduation, or some level of higher ed, we have a host of short and sweet messages to share in honor of their aptitude and achievement.

Among our list of sayings, we have funny graduation messages, inspirational graduation quotes, and classic congratulatory wishes to send the graduate your best regards and to say "Happy Graduation!" in a unique way.

Because graduation season can be a hectic time of year, we recommend bookmarking this page to reference any time you receive a graduation invite in the mail. And if you’re on the hunt for graduation presents as well, we’ve got that too! We have cheap graduation gifts for those buying in bulk, law school graduation gifts for the soon-to-be attorney, medical school graduation gifts for the new doctor in your life, and many more.

So join the new grad in honoring this momentous achievement, and don’t forget to share a heartfelt “I’m proud of you” as you celebrate.

Short Graduation Wishes

what to write in a graduation card congratulation wishes for graduation
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  • This is only the beginning. Congratulations!

  • You did it! Congratulations.

  • Caps off to you, graduate. Feel proud of your academic achievement!

  • Your future is beyond bright. Congratulations on a job well done!

  • After years of hard work and sacrifice, it’s finally paid off. Congratulations!

  • Warmest congratulations on your academic milestone!

  • I’m so proud of you! Congratulations on this exceptional accomplishment.

  • It’s time to celebrate, and relish this momentous occasion! Congratulations on charting your path to the future.

  • Best wishes on this spectacular day of achievement! Congratulations, graduate.

  • Congratulations on your well-deserved success!

  • I’m proud of you for always hitting the books and staying the course. A new adventure awaits. Congratulations!

  • The world is yours!

  • The sky's the limit!

  • Congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for your journey ahead.

  • Congratulations on your well-deserved accomplishment.

  • Sincerest congratulations on your graduation.

  • I wish you all the best: Your future is very bright. Warmest congratulations on your graduation.

  • Thank you for inviting me to share in celebrating this much-deserved accomplishment. Congratulations, graduate!

  • Warmest congratulations, and best of luck in your future pursuits.

Funny Graduation Messages

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  • Congrats on collecting the fanciest piece of paper you’ll ever own.

  • When they hand you your diploma, keep walking, just in case they try to take it back.

  • My hope for you is that your impactful memories of college last longer than your student loans.

  • We both accomplished something today. You: a diploma. Me: not falling asleep during the ceremony.

  • Don’t forget to thank those who were really there for you … Starbucks, Google, and ChatGPT.

  • Congrats on filling a minimum job requirement!

  • Kudos to you for FINALLY graduating!

  • I guess Cs really do get degrees. Congrats, grad!

  • Congrats on your degree and newly formed caffeine addiction.

  • Congratulations! Now you can finally start getting paid to work, rather than paying to do it!

  • You did it... now let's party!

  • Now that you have the degree, you can start paying the bills! Congratulations, grad!

Inspirational Graduation Wishes

what to write in a graduation card notes of encouragement for graduation
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  • Today is just one of life's many sweet victories. Be sure to stop, and savor this incredible moment!

  • Make a difference. Live the dream. Relish the adventure. Make your mark. Happy graduation.

  • Graduation is not the end — it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. I can’t wait to watch you excel.

  • Never be afraid to follow your dreams. Remember, you’re the only person who can fulfill them. You’ve got this!

  • Now is your time! You’re unstoppable. I want you to enjoy, and celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.

  • Never let a setback take you off track. Stay focused, and continue to chase your dreams!

  • Chasing a dream requires passion and hard work. Congratulations on graduating and your continuous strive!

  • Your dedication and hard work have paid off. We're excited to see you soar!

  • You’re on your way to greatness; witnessing your success is a joy and privilege. We will always root for you.

  • Keep going, no matter what obstacles may get in your way. We know you’re fearless and can overcome any challenges. Congratulations on getting this far in your quest for knowledge.

  • Today, as you receive your diploma, remember all that you’ve accomplished. The best is yet to come! Keep striving for success, and you will have all your heart’s desires.

  • There is no challenge you can't conquer. Sincerest congratulations on this incredible achievement.

  • I have no doubt you will meet all of life's challenges with aplomb. Congratulations on your enormous accomplishment!

Wise Graduation Card Messages

what to write in a graduation card offerings of wisdom for graduation
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  • As you make your way in the world, never lose sight of the things that matter most. Congratulations!

  • Be bold, be fearless, and watch your best self blossom while you accomplish your dreams.

  • Always maintain a positive attitude, and never stop believing in yourself. Confidence goes a long way. Kudos to you!

  • When it seems like others are outperforming you on the path to success, keep in mind that everyone blossoms at their own pace. Stay focused. Congratulations!

  • There will be times when the road seems bumpy, but never give up. Stay the course, and the destination will be even sweeter. I know you can do it!

  • School may be over, but never stop asking questions. Questions are the keys to unlocking endless opportunities.

  • Start each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for great things.

  • No one will believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. Stay encouraged, and always remember your worth.

  • Continue to set the bar high, and attempt to exceed expectations. Happy graduation!

  • Today will soon be a memory, so be present, and relish every second of it. Caps off to you, graduate!

Graduation Wishes for Family Members

what to write in a graduation card graduation wishes for a family member
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  • I'm always in your corner, but today, the stage is all yours. You did it!

  • Education is the key which unlocks all your potential. It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. We know the degree you’ve worked so hard for will help you thrive in the field you’ve chosen. We love you so much, congratulations.

  • I've been behind you all the way, and I always will be. Congrats, graduate!

  • Duties and responsibilities go hand in hand. It's time to take even more responsible decisions. You're a graduate! Happy Graduation Day!

  • There's never been anything you couldn't do when you put your mind to it. Congratulations!

  • This is your achievement, but you've never been alone — and you never will be. I'm honored to be on your winning team.

  • I know just how much work this represents, and I hope your heart is swelling with the same pride as mine.

  • I can't wait to witness the magic you'll create. Congratulations!

  • Congratulations to our little graduate. No matter where you go or how successful you become, never lose faith in God. Always be humble. Your parents always think about you.

  • I never doubted you'd make it, and here you are. My heart is bursting with pride.

  • School may be over, but family is forever.

  • School's out, but your journey is just beginning. I can't wait to see where it takes you!

  • Your future is bright. For all of the late night studies and sacrifices of enjoyment and parties, your reward is finally here. Congratulations to our beloved child who has emerged victorious.

  • I hope you know how proud I am of you.

  • I've always believed in you — and I always will. Congrats, grad!

  • It’s hard to believe that today is finally here. It seems just like yesterday you were a baby playing with alphabet blocks, now, you’re graduating. Congratulations!

  • We still remember your first day of school. On that day, we were nervous to send you away. Today feels the same. We are nervous yet again, as you face the world by yourself, but deep inside, we know you’ll always come out a winner. Best of luck, son.

  • I stand by you today — and I always will. Congrats on your big day!

  • I'm so happy to share in the joy and excitement of your big day.

  • I'm honored to join you in celebrating this important milestone. Congratulations on your graduation!

  • Being here, by your side today, means the world to me.

  • Sharing this day with you is one of my proudest moments. Congratulations!

  • Congrats, grad! I'm alongside you on your journey today, and always.

  • It would have meant the world to me to share this day with you. But know, I am celebrating your huge success across the miles. Congratulations!

  • The only thing that would have made this day more perfect is if we could have celebrated it together. (But in my heart, I'm by your side.) Congratulations!

  • My regret over missing this day is eclipsed only by my overflowing pride in you, graduate.

  • It would have been my great pleasure to celebrate your big day in person, but I hope you can feel me cheering you on from afar. Congrats on your big day!

  • I'm sorry I'm not there in person, but I'm with you on every step of your journey — you can count on that.

  • Congratulations on your graduation day! I’m right there with you in spirit.

  • I'm sorry to miss the big day, but I promise we'll celebrate together as soon as we can. Congratulations, grad!

Famous Quotes for Graduation Cards

what to write in a graduation card famous quotes for graduation
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  • “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” — William Shakespeare

  • "You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Carter Crocker, Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin

  • "Whatever you choose for a career path, remember, the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." Chadwick Boseman

  • "Change takes courage." — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

  • “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” — Napoleon Hill

  • "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

  • “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

  • “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”Eleanor Roosevelt

  • Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.”Albert Einstein

  • "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Nora Ephron

  • "We will fail when we fail to try." Rosa Parks

  • "My dear, terrified graduates, you are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives."Lin-Manuel Miranda

  • “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”Malcolm X

  • "You must do the thing you think you cannot do."Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

  • "We know what we are but know not what we may be.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet

  • “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”Steve Jobs

  • "Once you face your fear, nothing is ever as hard as you think."— Olivia Newton-John

  • “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”Babe Ruth

  • “There are no regrets in life. Just lessons.”Jennifer Aniston

  • “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.”Henry David Thoreau

  • “I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.” — Maya Angelou

  • "Follow your passion. It will lead you to your purpose."Oprah Winfrey

  • "All those adults that you used to think were in charge and knew what they were doing? It turns out, they don’t have all the answers. A lot of them aren’t even asking the right questions. So, if the world’s going to get better, it’s going to be up to you."Barack Obama

  • "It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."— Queen Elizabeth II

  • “Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in.” — Hillary Clinton

  • "The reality is, on most matters, somebody is going to make the decision — so why not let it be you?"Kamala Harris

  • "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. And you can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go. Congratulations graduate." — Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!

  • "Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. And, before you spend, earn. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. And, before you quit, try." — William Arthur Ward

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