55 Thoughtful Graduation Wishes to Celebrate the New Grad

Graduation is fast approaching, and it’s time to celebrate someone special’s big moment. Whether they’re graduating primary school or leaving the world of grades and classes for good, the best way to share the joy is with your heartfelt graduation wishes.

If you’re looking for inspiration, we’re here to help. Discover our favorite graduation wishes and messages for grads of any age, personality, and style.

The Best Graduation Wishes to Celebrate the Big Moment

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Ready to write an amazing graduation card or send your well wishes ahead of a graduation party? We love combining these graduation messages with a thoughtful congratulations card (like this paint-speckled congrats card) to wish the new grad well on their new journey.

Here are some of our go-to messages to celebrate the end of high school or college days and embrace the big adventure that’s still to come.

Short and Sweet Graduation Wishes

You don’t have to write a long message to tell them how proud you are. Use these short and sweet graduation message ideas to help you craft a text or card message that feels personal yet succinct.

1. You did it! Congratulations on graduating, [Name]!

2. Congrats, new grad!

3. You’ve got a bright future ahead.

4. Congratulations, graduate!

5. Congrats on all your well-deserved success, [Name]!

6. All your hard work paid off. It’s time to celebrate!

7. Yay, you made it! Congrats on everything you’ve achieved.

8. Wishing you a very happy graduation day.

9. Time to move on to the next chapter!

10. Best of luck for whatever you do next, [Name]!

11. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement.

12. Caps off to you!

13. Today’s the first day of forever.

14. Time to wave goodbye to college life, [Name]. You did it!

15. Con-grad-ulations!

16. Good luck in the future, [Name]!

17. The world doesn’t know what’s coming. Congrats on becoming a grad!

Funny Graduation Messages

If you know the new graduate well, you’ll know whether they want a thoughtful message or a joke to keep the feelings light. Make the new grad smile as they open up your card with one of these funny graduation wishes.

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

19. You’ve got to admit, neither of us thought we’d see the day. Congrats!

20. You might have passed the tests, but that doesn’t mean you’re smart. But don’t worry: Your secret’s safe with me!

21. Kudos to you for FINALLY graduating!

22. No more late-night study sessions and lack of sleep! Yay!

23. Now the real work starts. Welcome to the real world, [Name]!

24. Think you can swap your baseball cap for a grad cap long enough for the ceremony?

25. Now you’re just like the rest of us, [Name].

26. Forget all the hassle; it’s time to wear the tassel!

27. Congrats on learning all the best ways to pass your classes.

28. Ready to swap ramen for learning how to cook?

29. Congrats on graduating! Enjoy the party — it’s the last fun time you’ll have. Welcome to the working world! 

Heartfelt and Inspiring Graduation Wishes

Design: Signature Greenvelope

A college or high school graduation is a big moment, and it’s the perfect time to highlight all that’s amazing about the new grad. We love these thoughtful message ideas for a close friend or family member — especially when paired with this golden congratulations card.

30. Congratulations on graduating from [College]! This is such a prestigious achievement, and I’m incredibly proud to watch it happen.

31. Reach for the sky, [Name]. You know you’ll make it. No matter what, you’ve always got us cheering you on.

32. I’m SO proud of you, [Name]. I knew you could do it.

33. There’s so much still to come. Go out there and enjoy life, make a difference, and be who you truly are.

34. Best wishes to the most talented new graduate out there. Whoever you end up working for will be the luckiest boss in the world.

35. [Name], you’ve always been a star. Now everyone here can appreciate it too.

36. I can’t believe the big day is finally here! Congratulations on becoming a graduate. I’m so excited to watch you take the next steps into the rest of your life.

37. Wishing you all the best with your future endeavors, [Name]. It’s been a joy to watch you blossom and grow.

38. I’m so excited to stand here and watch you graduate from [College]. I know it’s always been your dream.

Words of Wisdom for Your New Graduate

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Whether your grad is going to continue their education or make their way into the world of work, it’s a great moment to share your wisdom and life lessons. Use one of these graduation wishes alongside this fun congrats card to help you put your thoughts into the right words.

39. Life is a journey. Where you end up doesn’t matter — enjoy the path that takes you there.

40. Your college graduation is a big moment. Live it, cherish it, and let those feelings of pride carry you through any challenges ahead.

41. Being an adult in the big wide world might sound scary, but it’s incredibly exciting. Time to learn who you are and discover your true talents and passions in life.

42. Leaving [school/college] can feel tough. You’ve made lots of memories, but there are many more enjoyable moments still to come.

43. Whether you loved your college days or hated them, you’re now free to take on the world. Know that you’re always growing, changing, and learning to be the best version of yourself. 

Graduation Messages if You’re Attending the Graduation Party

Design: Laura Bolter Design

If you’ve received an invitation to the grad’s party (like this class year invite), you don’t need to put all your thoughts into words now — you can toast them at the graduation party instead. Here are some fun ways to congratulate them now and let them know you’ll be there.

44. Congrats on graduating, [Name]! I can’t wait to dance the night away with you.

45. Time to toast [City]’s most amazing grad! I’ll see you at the party on [date].

46. Tell your parents to expect plenty of noise. We’re here to whoop and shout and celebrate your college graduation!

47. Big things are ahead! Let’s talk about life and reminisce about those college days together before we head out on our summer travels.

48. It’s an honor to be invited to your graduation celebration, [Name]. I can’t wait to raise a glass to your achievements and your future.

49. It’s time to partaaayy! Congrats on graduating from [College] — so excited to sing karaoke and make big life plans together.

Graduation Messages From a Distance

Sometimes we can’t always make it to the party or watch the graduation happen. If you’re sending your wishes from afar, here are some messages to share just how proud you are — no matter the distance. Pair one of these with one of our online cards and schedule so your card arrives at the perfect moment for the grad-to-be.

50. What an incredible journey you’ve been on, [Name]. I’m so proud of you. I’m sorry I can’t make your graduation day but know that I’ll be raising a glass to you from here.

51. Your joy and love for life are felt all the way over here on the other side of the world. I’m so excited to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve from here on, [Name].

52. Happy graduation day from your favorite [relation] in [Location]!

53. We can’t be at your graduation ceremony in person, but we’ll tune into the livestream. Can’t wait to see you walk on stage in your cap and gown!

54. There may be distance between us, but know that I’d give you the biggest hug if I could. You’re a shining star, [Name].

55. Congratulations on becoming the [Surname] family’s newest grad! Sending you all our love and best wishes from [Location].

Share Your Excitement With These Thoughtful Graduation Wishes

Let someone special know how proud you are with a thoughtful graduation quote or congratulations message. Whether they’re embarking on their next adventure in academia or backpacking around the world, these sweet graduation messages will put a smile on their face and make them feel loved.

For the ultimate way to say well done and good luck, match your graduation message to one of our congratulations cards. Every design can be customized, so you can change the layout, fonts, colors, and wording to make it feel uniquely “them.�