Graduation, OccasionsUpdated April 22, 2025

30 Helpful Graduation Announcements for High School and College (2025)

An image depicting 'IDEAS INSPIRATION 30 Graduation Announcement Wording and Messages for High School and College Graduation', featuring a group of students in the celebratory act of throwing their graduation caps into the air.

Graduations are significant milestones for young people completing high school or college, and the current crop of graduates earned their diplomas in the midst of a multitude of pandemic pressures. Determination. Resilience. Courage. So much to celebrate! And it starts with a graduation announcement.

This is a great opportunity for a photo op. Who doesn’t want to see the graduate? Photo upload announcements offer options from cameos to full backgrounds.
What’s your grad’s signature style? Classic, fun, trending… An A+ announcement matches your student’s personal vibe.
We all understand that commencement seating is limited, so an announcement without an invitation to the graduation won’t ruffle any feathers. Do include the link to the livestream, if that’s an option, and make sure party or open house invites go to your entire announcement list.

Graduation season is exciting for all involved, and a custom graduation announcement template is the perfect messenger to spread the news. Get ready for an epidemic of proud smiles and popping buttons! Read on to learn how to write a graduation message for different age groups.

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Graduation Announcements for High School
Graduation Announcements for College & University
Graduation Announcements for Younger Graduates
Graduation Announcements FAQs

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Graduation announcements

Smiling young woman in graduation cap and gown holding a diploma wrapped with a red ribbon, framed by a red ribbon border, with congratulatory text for Olivia Davis, Florida State University Class of 2045.

Make your own Graduation announcement instantly

Create a beautiful card in minutes with our easy-to-use editor!

Graduation announcements

Graduation Announcements for High School

Your graduation announcement can be simple, clever, profound – whatever suits your graduate. Browse our sample graduation messages, then copy or tweak your favorite. These messages are perfect for anyone who’s graduating high school.

Formal High School Graduation Wording

Class of 2040
Allison Jones
Richmond High School
June 11, 2040
Graduating with Honors

Young male graduate in red cap and gown celebrating while pointing at the camera, featured on a confetti-themed graduation announcement for Robert Samuel Anderson, South Branch High School Class of 2045. — Feeling bubbly – Graduation announcement

GRAD
Abigail May Johnson
Congrats Class of 2040
James Madison High School
Magna Cum Laude
Captain of the Debate Team
THE GRADUATE
Class of 2040
Hailey Jane Williams
James Madison High School
Join us for a graduation party – Saturday, June 4^th – 2 pm
1234 Magnolia Lane, New Haven – RSVP 987.654.3210
Class of 2040
William Aaron St. James
turned the tassel
May 20, 2040
Plans to study biology at Stanford University.
We’re proud to applaud the courage
and perseverance of our daughter
Natalie Maria Garza
as she completed virtual, in-person,
and eLearning classes to graduate
with the Northview High School
Class of 2040

Colorful graduation announcement card featuring a smiling graduate in cap and gown, framed by bold, playful typography and set against a soft sunset background. — Boldly Written – Graduation announcement

Casual & Fun High School Graduation Messages

Congrats Grad!
Amelia Thompson
Class of 2040
Stevensville High School | May 10, 2040
Sarah will be attending Michigan State University
in the fall with a concentration in Pharmacy.
GRADUATION DAY!
Kelly Ann Wilson
will graduate with honors from
Carnegie High School
May 20, 2040
Kelly plans to study business
at Harvard University.

Off with the hats!
Congrats!
Schyler Alexander Evans
2040 Grad | Monroe H.S.
Smarty pants.
Abigail Maria Garcia
Penn State Grad 2040 | Engineering

Gaming-themed graduation announcement card featuring a cartoon girl in a cap and gown standing in a glowing neon portal, with “Level Up!” in bright pink neon letters above and a real photo of the graduate shown inside a circular frame. — Level Up Grad – Graduation announcement

hooray!
Congrats to our Alpine High School graduate!
Laura Jackson
Florida State University is waiting for you.
Class of 2040

Graduation Announcements for College & University

Earning a college degree is a major step toward securing a dream job. Your loved one will appreciate your praise. Here are some graduation announcement examples for 2025 college graduates.

Traditional College Graduation Announcements

We are proud to announce the
graduation of our son on
May 6, 2040
Terrance Alan Brooks
Nantucket University
Terrance will pursue graduate
studies in engineering at MIT.

Modern graduation announcement card with a pink and coral checkered border, a graduation cap icon at the top, and bold “Congrats Grad!” message in the center, set against a blurred background of a checkerboard with red and black game pieces. — Checkerboard – Graduation announcement

Join us as we congratulate
Jordan Lee Whitake
upon receiving the
Bachelor of Science Degree
in Applied Computing
from Florida State University.
Class of 2040
Text congrats to 987.654.3210
So proud of
Lauren Renee Ketola
as she turns the tassel!
Class of 2040 Honors Graduate
Pratt institute with a bachelor’s in graphic arts
CONGRATS
to our graduate
Rachel Newton
Bachelor of Arts
Florida State University
Class of 2040

College Grad!
Gregory Allen Roberts
B.A. in Political Science
Baldwin Wallace University
Text congrats to 987.654.3210

Unique & Personalized Messages

Zoomed through that!
Maddy Reynolds is graduating!
May 28, 2040
University of Arizona
She’s off to become the greatest nurse in town.
Congrats, Josh!
Joshua Michael Davis
Purdue University | B.S. in History
Class of 2040
Send your congratulations and ask him for a random history fact!
970.818.9259

Elegant graduation announcement card featuring a smiling graduate in cap and gown framed by delicate blue butterflies, creating a soft and uplifting design. — Spread Your Wings – Graduation announcement

WooHoo!
Brian Schmidt graduated!
May 21, 2040
Auburn University
He’s going to continue working toward his M.D. so he can become a dermatologist.
(Don’t ask him about that weird mole yet!)
Diploma Dance!
Chris Zeller
Class of 2040
B.A. in English at Penn State!
Keep your eyes peeled at your local bookstore once he publishes his first book.

Respect.
Success under pressure.
Congratulations!
Oliver James Knorr
Florida State University Class of 2040
Your little ones may have him as a third grade teacher soon!

Magazine-style graduation announcement card featuring a smiling graduate wearing a black cap and gown with a yellow tassel, set against a natural green outdoor background, with “Graduate” written at the top and a gold badge reading “Class of 2045.” — Fabulous News – Graduation announcement

Graduation Announcements for Younger Graduates

Graduation is a big deal for kids who finish kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school. What is the best graduation wording for younger graduates? These messages will light up a child’s face.

Fun & Playful Graduation Messages for Kids

CONGRATULATIONS!
You kicked 8th grade’s butt! You’ll continue being a star in high school.
May 29, 2040

You’re the whiz kid!
Connor Joseph Varner graduated from the 5th grade!
Peabody Elementary School
June 4, 2040

Yep, that’s a cap and gown!
Richard William Jackson
aced his classes to graduate from 8th grade
Congrats, Rich!
From Lurgio Middle School to Allen High School

Who’s the rockstar who finished kindergarten?
CONGRATULATIONS
Stacy Jo Dillon
Saturday, May 10, 2040
She can do anything she puts her mind to!

Flat Hat Congrats!
Lookin’ good
Tiana Alexis Simmons
with that diploma in your hand!
Walker Middle School
Class of 2040

Heartfelt Messages from Parents & Teachers

5TH GRADE GRADUATE!
So proud of our little girl
Evelyn Grace Farris
Class of 2040
Sitton Elementary School

Preschool graduation announcement card featuring a young child sitting casually in front of a green fence, framed by a playful green zigzag border, with a cheerful “yay!” message underneath. — Doodle frame – Graduation announcement

Congrats, grad!
Grayson Robert Harris
Completing the 5th grade
Riddlebrook Elementary School
May 5, 2040
It was a pleasure having you as my student!

Way to go!
Monica Anne Bell
Sutton Middle School Class of 2040
Your future teachers will be just as honored as I was to have you as my student

2040 PULP MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATE
Paul Michael Painter
Our boy is a genius! He’s going to rock high school.
Join us for a fun summer pool party and barbecue!
June 1 at 11 a.m.
49 Arrowhead Drive

HONOR GRAD
Samuel Logan Bramwell
Class of 2040
Westside Middle School
It was a delight watching you master math this year.
Keep up the hard work and continue shining in high school!

Graduation Announcements FAQs

When should I send a graduation announcement?

Would the graduate like loved ones to attend their ceremony? Do you plan on hosting a graduation party afterward? If yes for either or both of these things, you’ll need to give your guests at least two weeks to prepare for the event and mark their calendars.

It’s also okay to make an announcement after the ceremony is finished and the graduate has their degree in hand. Think about how they’d like their accomplishments to be celebrated so you can make sure they feel special.

What should I include in a graduation announcement?

A graduation announcement can be as detailed as you and the graduate would like. Some essentials to include are the graduate’s name, the graduation year, the school’s name, the graduation year, and their degree if applicable. It’s also fun to include the graduate’s honors to showcase their hard work. Many proud parents also include their names as well if they’re hosting the graduate’s party.

If you’d like others to attend the graduation ceremony and/or an afterparty, then don’t forget to give guests the appropriate times and addresses. Parking could be tricky depending on where the school is, so your guests will appreciate any tips so they aren’t late to the ceremony.

How can I personalize a graduation announcement?

One of the nicest ways you can personalize a graduation announcement is to include a picture of your star student. Look for a flattering photo that matches the graduation theme. This may be their most recent school picture day photo, a photo of them from their favorite school sport or club, a photo where they’re all dressed up for an event like prom, or even a photo of them in their graduation cap and gown if you’re sending the announcement after the event.

Who should receive a graduation announcement?

It’s understandable that proud parents want to announce their child’s graduation to the whole world, but you should limit your list to those who are close to you or the graduate. One tip is to use the same list that you would for a holiday card. Family, friends, and any neighbors or coworkers who you’re friendly with will all be glad to receive a graduation announcement.

Since the majority of your graduate’s friends are likely the same age and graduating together, they may not need a card. It’s best to ask the grad if they have any friends who they’d like to receive a card anyway just for fun. You should send an announcement to others who have had a great influence on your child, such as coaches and mentors, to acknowledge their role in your child’s success.

Is there a difference between high school and college graduation wording?

One major difference between high school and college graduation wording is the information about the graduate’s degree. A high school graduation announcement can share that they got their diploma, and it could even include what the graduate plans on studying in college if they plan on continuing their education. A college graduation announcement will share which type of degree they earned and in what field.

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Quick Navigation

Make your own Graduation announcement instantly

Make your own Graduation announcement instantly

Graduation Announcements for High School

Formal High School Graduation Wording

Casual & Fun High School Graduation Messages

Graduation Announcements for College & University

Traditional College Graduation Announcements

Unique & Personalized Messages

Graduation Announcements for Younger Graduates

Fun & Playful Graduation Messages for Kids

Heartfelt Messages from Parents & Teachers

Graduation Announcements FAQs

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