100 Best Graduation Wishes to Write in the New Grad's Card

Say "congratulations!" to the class of 2024 with these inspiring words.

Graduations are one of the first big milestones in a person’s life. Depending on the school, this academic accomplishment can start as early as preschool, followed by elementary school, middle school, high school, and of course, college. No matter what grade the graduate in your life is completing, it’s a momentous occasion worthy of praise and celebration. How do you honor your shining scholar?

For many people, giving thoughtful graduation gifts and greeting cards are great ways to acknowledge their achievement. Shopping for a present may be a challenge for some, while penning a graduation message may be the more difficult task for others. If you fall into the latter category, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up some of the best graduation wishes to write inside their card — consider us your friendly ghostwriter.

Don't Forget About the Party

From funny quotes to encouraging sentiments, these congratulatory messages and well wishes will let your graduate know how happy and proud you are of them. Whether it’s your witty fifth grader moving up from elementary school or sentimental teenager graduating from high school — these inspiring, wise words will be well received.

Of course, you can use them verbatim or simply as inspiration to spark ideas to write your own personal message. In addition to being written inside of a card, they can also be shared as thoughtful texts or as uplifting Instagram captions. No matter how you share them, the lucky graduates of 2024 will know that you’re cheering them on as they embark upon their next exciting chapter.

Looking for graduation gift ideas? Check out these Good Housekeeping gift guides:

Sweet Congratulatory Wishes

• Congratulations, you make me so proud!
• You did it! Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment.
• You’re destined for success. Nothing can stand in your way!
• There was never a doubt that you wouldn’t become the super successful person you are today! Congrats!
• Enjoy your special day because you’ve earned it! Congratulations.
• Wishing you nothing but the best as you embark on this new journey.
• Congrats! Keep making us proud. We know that you’re just getting started!
• You continue to inspire us every day. Congratulations!
• We wish you an abundance of health, wealth and
• Congratulations! Your future shines brighter than the sun in August.
• Caps off to you, graduate!
• Congratulations! This is only just the beginning. You’re a star in the making!
• Congratulations on your big day! Know without a doubt that you were made for great things.
• Congratulations! We are so proud of you.
• Congrats, you did it!
• This calls for celebrating! Congratulations!
• What an impressive achievement!
• Wishing you all the best on your graduation day.
• Good luck on your new beginnings!
• Woo hoo! Good for you! Congrats!
• Congratulations on your well-deserved success.
• Your ambition is so inspiring! Congrats!
• We knew you could do it! Congrats!
• Congratulations! No one deserves this more.
• Major snaps and claps on your graduation.
• Your hard work definitely paid off. Congrats.
• Here's to your next adventure. Make it be as awesome as you.
• Congrats! May your future be as bright as your smile!
• Sending you good vibes and positive energy for your post-graduation life.

Funny Graduation Messages

• Now that you’ve graduated, what are you going to do with all those sticky notes now?
• Now that you’ve graduated, does that mean all your partying days are behind you? We sure hope so!
• It’s a miracle you reached this milestone after all the goofing off you did. Good job, sport!
• I guess barely getting by pays off. Cheers to you!
• Did you pay your teachers for your diploma? C’mon, you can tell me!
• Congrats! Welcome to the real world. Trust me, it’s not what you think.
• You were always good at surprises! Graduating is your best one yet.
• Who did you hire to take all of your tests? They should be the ones walking across the stage. Oh well, I guess you paid extra to do the walking.
• My deepest condolences on the end of your college life.
• And the hard work starts . now!
• All that work for a piece of paper?
• We’re just as shocked as you that this day has come.
• Congrats! It's time to move out.
• Sure, there’s no more pencils, no more books. But there’s also no more fun.
• Congrats on getting through the easiest part of life.
• I lost a bet. You graduated.
• The tassel was worth the hassle! You did it!
• Cap. Gown. It’s going down. Congrats!
• I always knew you would barely graduate, well done!
• Congratulations, have fun dressing up in a gown and silly hat!

Inspirational Graduation Messages

• This milestone is just a steppingstone for more successes to come!
• Never stop believing in yourself. You’ve already proven that nothing can stand in your way when it comes to accomplishing your dreams.
• Stay focused and you can achieve anything. You’re already a shining example. Congrats!
• There’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it. Hats off to you!
• Success doesn't always come easy. Remember to always do your best no matter what.
• You’re on your way to seek new vistas, dream new dreams, embark on who you are. Remember to embrace life with passion and keep reaching for the stars.
• The road ahead will have its share of obstacles, but you’re incredibly ambitious and strong to overcome anything that comes your way.
• Chasing a dream requires hard work, passion, and many sacrifices. We can’t wait to see you accomplish everything your heart desires.
• Nothing can stop you now. Your next adventure awaits, and we’re excited to see where it leads you.
• Today is only the first of many amazing moments and I know life has many more in store for you.
• May your feet always take you where your heart wants to go.
• Remember, if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
• Congratulations! Don’t think of this as an ending, but rather, an exciting beginning.

Offerings of Wisdom

• There are no shortcuts to true success. Keep working hard and the rest will follow!
• Life is full of surprises. Take them in stride and never lose sight of your goals.
• Challenges and setbacks are a part of life. Learn how to manage your reactions to difficult situations and you’ll be unstoppable.
• Be curious and bold as you forge through life, and you’ll never go wrong.
• You’ll continue to soar as long as you stay true to yourself.
• Never chase other people’s dreams. You’re unique and so are your aspirations.
• Remain humble, work hard and it will pay off.
• Never stop growing, exploring, learning, and challenging yourself.
• School may be over, but life’s lessons are yet to be learned. Keep an open heart and mind. Happy graduation!
• The journey of life brings both challenges and chances. May you snatch the chances and beat the challenges. Congratulations on graduating.
• Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one. Start each day believing in yourself and watch the magic happen.
• Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. Before you criticize, wait. And, before you quit, try.
• Be bold, be courageous, be your best.
• Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one.

Graduation Messages for Sons and Daughters

• I remember when you were finger painting, now you’re graduating! You’re all grown up now.
• Cheers to all our late-night study sessions. Clearly, those all-nighters paid off!
• Seeing you walk across the stage brings me to tears, but I couldn’t be happier. Congratulations.
• Your big day is finally here. Relish your accomplishment and cherish the memories.
• I can’t believe you’re ready for this next phase of life. I’m confident that you’re prepared to tackle whatever lies ahead.
• I’ve watched you grow into a mature, responsible and confident young adult. You’re well on your way to achieving even greater success!
• From when you were little to this very day, you continue giving us reasons to hold our heads up in pride. Congratulations on your achievement!
• It seems like just yesterday you were just starting school and now, you’re receiving your diploma. It’s been a joy to watch you grow and achieve so much these past four years.
• It's true what they say, time flies, but I'm glad we've created incredible memories together that I'll cherish forever. Congratulations, graduate!
• I closed my eyes for but a moment and suddenly you stood where my baby used to be. I may not carry you now in my arms, but I will always carry you in my heart. Congratulations on this special achievement.
• Know what makes your graduation extra special? It’s having watched you grow up, sharing amazing memories with you, and knowing all the challenges you’ve worked through to get to this day. You did it, kid.
  

Famous Quotes

• “You will find true success and happiness if you have only one goal. There really is only one, and that is this: To fulfill the highest, most truthful expression of yourself as a human being.” —Oprah Winfrey
• “Just go for it. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to start it. Nothing is ever perfect, but it can’t be improved until it exists.” —Issa Rae
• “Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep faith. And, when you're knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can't or shouldn't go on.” —Hillary Clinton
• “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” —Nelson Mandela
• “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” —Henry David Thoreau
• “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” —Michael Josephson
• “Now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here. Make good art.” —Neil Gaiman
• “Go forth and set the world on fire.” —St. Ignatius Loyola
• “There is no excuse to wait a day to do what you want to do and to change the way that you want to change." —Sophia Bush
• "Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success. You've got to take risks." —Denzel Washington
• "You don't have a job? Get one. Any job! Don't sit at home waiting for the magical opportunity. Do something until you can do something else."—Shonda Rhimes
• "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead." —Nora Ephron

Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with nearly two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, People, Parade, BET.com. WebMD and more. Her coverage includes entertainment, beauty, lifestyle, parenting and fashion content. If she's not exploring New York City with her two young children, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.

Selena is the entertainment and news editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers the latest on TV, movies and celebrities. In addition to writing and editing entertainment news, she also spotlights the Hispanic and Latinx community through her work. She is a graduate of CUNY Hunter College with a B.A. in journalism and creative writing.