A graduation card marks a big moment. Graduates often keep these cards, so a few personal lines about how proud you are will mean a lot.
Below are graduation wishes for high school, college, graduate school and nursing school, for a son or daughter, a grandchild, niece or nephew, funny wishes, wishes for a graduate who had a hard year, and graduation quotes.
Article contents
- How to Write a Graduation Card
- Short Graduation Wishes
- High School Graduation Wishes
- College Graduation Wishes
- Graduation Wishes for a Son or Daughter
- Graduation Wishes for a Grandchild, Niece or Nephew
- Graduate School and Nursing School Wishes
- Funny Graduation Wishes
- Graduation Wishes During a Hard Year
- Graduation Quotes
- How to Sign a Graduation Card
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Write a Graduation Card
- Congratulate them by name.
- Mention the work it took.
- Say what you admire about them.
- Wish them well for what comes next.
Example: "Congratulations, Maya! We know how hard you worked for this, especially junior year. Your kindness and curiosity are going to take you far. Love, Aunt Sue"
Short Graduation Wishes
- Congratulations, graduate!
- Congrats on your graduation! You earned it.
- Proud of you, grad!
- Happy graduation day!
- Diploma in hand. Congratulations!
- You did it! Congratulations.
- Cheers to the graduate!
- Wishing you the best on your next adventure.
High School Graduation Wishes
- Congratulations on graduating high school! College is lucky to be getting you.
- Four years of hard work, and here you are. We are so proud of you.
- Congratulations, graduate. Enjoy this summer before the next big step.
- You have grown so much these past four years. We can't wait to see what's next.
- Congratulations! Whether it's college, work or a gap year, we are behind you all the way.
- Happy graduation! Remember to call home once in a while.
College Graduation Wishes
- Congratulations on your college graduation! All those late nights paid off.
- You earned this degree, and we are so proud of you.
- Congratulations, grad. The world is lucky to have you in it.
- Congratulations! We hope your first job is as great as you are.
- Happy graduation! You made the most of these four years, and it shows.
Graduation Wishes for a Son or Daughter
- We are so proud of you, son. Congratulations on your graduation.
- When they called your name today, we cheered louder than anyone. Congratulations.
- Congratulations, sweetheart. Every early morning and late night led to today.
- We have loved watching you grow into the person you are. Congratulations, graduate.
- Go chase it. Our door is always open if you need a home-cooked meal. Congratulations.
Graduation Wishes for a Grandchild, Niece or Nephew
- Congratulations on your graduation! Grandpa and I are so proud of you.
- I remember your first day of kindergarten. Look at you now. Congratulations!
- Congratulations to my favorite niece. You have a bright future ahead.
- Happy graduation, buddy. Your aunt is very proud of you.
Graduate School and Nursing School Wishes
- Congratulations on your master's degree. All that work was worth it.
- Congratulations, doctor! You earned every letter after your name.
- Congratulations on finishing nursing school. Your patients are going to be lucky to have you.
- Congratulations on passing the bar. We knew you would.
Funny Graduation Wishes
- Congratulations! You are now officially overqualified to live in our basement.
- Congrats, grad! Now go get a job so you can pay us back.
- Congratulations on your graduation. Your student loans are very proud of you too.
- Happy graduation! Your future employer has no idea how lucky they are.
- Congratulations! No more homework, just bills.
Graduation Wishes During a Hard Year
For a graduate who has been through a loss, an illness or a difficult time.
- You graduated through a really hard year, and we are more proud of you than ever.
- Your grandmother would be so proud of you today. We know we are.
- Congratulations. You kept going when it would have been easy to stop.
- This diploma means even more because of everything you overcame to earn it.
Graduation Quotes
Write the quote first, then add a line of your own.
- "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." (Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
- "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, / I took the one less traveled by, / And that has made all the difference." (Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken)
- "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." (Henry David Thoreau, Walden)
- "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." (Steve Jobs, quoting the Whole Earth Catalog in his 2005 Stanford commencement speech)
- "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." (Steve Jobs, Stanford commencement, 2005)
- "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed." (Admiral William McRaven, University of Texas commencement, 2014)
- "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." (Nelson Mandela)
- "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." (Wayne Gretzky)
How to Sign a Graduation Card
"So proud of you," "Love," "Congratulations again," and "Cheers to you" all work. If you include money or a gift card, mention it in the card so it does not get thrown out with the envelope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you write in a graduation card?
Congratulate the graduate by name, mention the work it took, and wish them well for what comes next. "Congratulations! You worked so hard for this, and we are so proud of you" is a good start.
What is a good short graduation message?
"You did it! Congratulations" and "So proud of you. Congratulations!" are both short enough for any card.
How much money do you put in a graduation card?
It depends on how close you are and your budget. Many people give $20 to $50 for a friend or neighbor and more for close family. Any amount is appreciated.
Writing to a graduate who shares your faith? See our Bible verses for graduation. For more, see graduation cards or use the Message Finder. Our Natural Wonders National Park and Happy Birthday Assorted sets are blank inside, so any of these messages will fit.
