101 Short and Sweet Messages to Congratulate Your Graduate

Whether moving on from high school and preparing for college, or taking the big leap from undergraduate to enter the workforce, graduating at any age is a big deal. About much more than just a graduation party, the momentous occasion is the conclusion of an enormous effort for both the graduate and their loved ones who have been there for the journey. Since the big day means a lot to everyone involved, it can be difficult to come up with the best graduation wishes for cards that adequately reflect the pride and joy you have for your graduate. After all, are there really words that can sum up everything you're feeling and say congratulations on graduation?

While you may not be able to find the exact words to reflect your true admiration for your graduate, we're sharing congratulatory graduation wishes and famous quotes that can help you get as close as possible. From funny graduation quotes to add to cards sent along with college graduation gifts, to thinking of you quotes for messages to personalize a basket of high school graduation gifts, look to this list of heartfelt graduation messages that fit no matter your relationship to the graduate.

Need even more motivational quotes to divvy out to this year’s graduating class? These short and sweet inspirational graduation quotes will do the trick. And for something that will help them stay faithful in the new season of their lives, these powerful Bible verses for graduates and graduation prayers are ones they’ll hold on to forever.

Best 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!

Graduation Wishes for Family Members

what to write in a graduation card graduation wishes for a family member
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  • 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 in thriving 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!

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

  • 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 mine is.

  • I can't wait to witness all the magic you'll make. 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 the times of late night studies, lack of sleep, sacrifice of enjoyment and parties, your reward is 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!

Encouraging Words for Graduates

what to write in a graduation card notes of encouragement for graduation
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  • Make a difference. Live the dream. Relish the adventure. Make your mark. Happy graduation

  • Graduation is not the end — it’s just 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 and I want you to enjoy and celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.

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

  • Chasing a dream requires passion and hard work. Congratulations on graduating and continue to strive!

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

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

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

Words of Wisdom for Graduates

what to write in a graduation card offerings of wisdom for graduation
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  • 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.

  • 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 blooms 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.

  • 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.

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

Nostalgic Graduation Messages

what to write in a graduation card expressions of nostalgia for graduation
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  • Today will soon be a memory, so be present and relish every second of it. Caps off to you, graduate!

  • 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!

  • Chasing your dreams is not an easy job. It requires lots of passion, it requires lots of commitments and a true dedication, as you proved it right by being a graduate. Congrats!

  • 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.

  • We still remember the first day of your school. On that day, we were nervous to send you away from us. It still feels like that same day is back again. We feel nervous yet again, as you face the world by yourself. But, deep inside we always know that you’ll come out as a winner. Best of luck son.

Famous Quotes for Graduation

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." — A.A. Milne

  • "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." — Arleen Lorrance

  • “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.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

  • "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

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

  • “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

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

  • “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

  • “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

Formal Graduation Wishes

what to write in a graduation card formal graduation wishes
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  • There is no challenge you can't conquer. Sincerest congratulations on this incredible achievement.

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

  • Congratulations on your well-deserved accomplishment.

  • Sincere congratulations on your graduation.

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

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

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

When You’re Celebrating With the Graduate

what to write in a graduation card when you’re celebrating with the graduate
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  • 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!

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

  • 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 I always will be.

  • You did it... now let's party!

When You Can’t Make It to Graduation

what to write in a graduation card when you can’t make it
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  • Congratulations on your graduation day! I’m right there with you in spirit.

  • 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!

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

  • 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.

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