Graduation Announcement Wording: 50+ Examples & Ideas

Graduation is a big deal — and your announcement should feel like it.

Whether you're celebrating a high school graduate, a college grad, or someone earning an advanced degree, the right graduation announcement wording helps you share the accomplishment, personality and excitement of the moment.

The good news? There isn't one "right" way to word a graduation announcement. Keep it classic and formal, make it short and modern, add a favorite quote or joke, or tell everyone what's next. Your announcement can be as unique as the graduate.

What Should You Write on a Graduation Announcement?

At a minimum, a graduation announcement should include the graduate's name, school and graduation year. College and graduate-school announcements can also include a degree or major. From there, you can add optional details such as honors, accomplishments, future plans, a favorite quote, photos or graduation party information.

A simple graduation announcement might look like this:

Announcing the Graduation of
Emma Grace Johnson
Lincoln High School
Class of 2027

Or, for a college graduate:

She did it!
Emma Grace Johnson
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Business Administration
Class of 2027

If you're also inviting people to a celebration, add the party details below the announcement—or include them on a separate enclosure card.

The best part? You don't have to write a novel. A few thoughtful lines can say everything you need.

What to Include on a Graduation Announcement

Think of your graduation announcement as a snapshot of this milestone. Start with the essentials, then add the details that make it personal.

Essential graduation announcement details

Most graduation announcements include:

• Graduate's full name
• School name
• Graduation year
• Degree or major, for college or advanced-degree graduates

Optional details to include

Depending on your announcement design and how much you want to share, you can also include:

• A senior or graduation photo
• Graduation date
• Academic honors
• Sports, clubs or other accomplishments
• Future college or career plans
• Graduate school plans
• A favorite quote
• A short personal message
• Parents' names
• Graduation ceremony information
• Graduation party or open house details
• A QR code for an RSVP or additional information

Tip: Don't feel like you have to squeeze everything onto the front of the card. If you have lots to say, use the back of a folded announcement or add an enclosure card for party details, future plans, extra photos or a longer message.

Graduation Announcement vs. Graduation Invitation: What's the Difference?

The two are easy to confuse, but there is a difference between graduation announcements and invitations.

A graduation announcement shares the news that someone graduated.

A graduation invitation asks someone to attend a ceremony or celebration.

You can absolutely combine the two, but it's helpful to know the difference when deciding what to write.

Graduation announcement

Announcing the graduation of
Olivia Marie Smith
Class of 2027
Westview High School

Graduation party invitation

Join us to celebrate!
Olivia's Graduation Open House
Saturday, June 12 • 3–7 PM
123 Main Street

Announcement + party invitation

You can also combine the two:

She did it!
Olivia Marie Smith
Class of 2027
Westview High School
Please join us for a graduation celebration
Saturday, June 12th from 3–7 PM
The Smith Residence
14 Plainview Drive in Westville

If you need more room for party details, an enclosure card is an easy way to keep your announcement clean while giving guests everything they need.

High School Graduation Announcement Wording

High school graduation is the end of one chapter and the beginning of a whole new one. Maybe your grad is headed to college. Maybe they're taking a gap year, starting a career, joining the military, traveling or figuring it all out as they go.

Here are graduation announcement wording ideas for every kind of high school grad.

Classic High School Graduation Announcement

Announcing the Graduation of
Michael Andrew Thompson
Class of 2027
Lincoln High School

We are so proud of all he has accomplished!

Formal High School Graduation Announcement

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson
proudly announce the graduation of their son
Michael Andrew Thompson
from Lincoln High School
Class of 2027

Simple High School Graduation Announcement

Class of 2027
Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School
Next chapter: here we come!

Modern High School Graduation Announcement

She did it!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027
Lincoln High School

High School Announcement With Future College Plans

Congratulations, Emma!
Class of 2027
Lincoln High School
Next stop: University of Oregon
Major: Business

High School Announcement With Achievements

Announcing the Graduation of
Liam Parker
Lincoln High School
Class of 2027
National Honor Society • Varsity Soccer • Student Council
Headed to the University of Minnesota

High School Announcement From Parents

With pride and joy,
we announce the graduation of our daughter
Olivia Grace Smith
Class of 2027
Westview High School
We couldn't be prouder!

Short High School Graduation Announcement

Class of 2027
Ava Smith
Westview High School
And just like that...she's a graduate!

College Graduation Announcement Wording

College graduation deserves its own spotlight. Include the graduate's school, degree and major, then add honors, career plans or a personal message if you have room.

Classic College Graduation Announcement

With great pride, we announce the graduation of
Emily Grace Johnson
from the University of Alabama
Class of 2027

Formal College Graduation Announcement

The University of Alabama
proudly announces the graduation of
Emily Grace Johnson
with a Bachelor of Business Administration
Class of 2027

Simple College Graduation Announcement

Emily Johnson
University of Alabama
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Class of 2027

Modern College Graduation Announcement

Degree: earned.
Emily Johnson
University of Alabama
Class of 2027
Roll Tide!

College Graduation Announcement From Parents

We are so proud to announce the graduation of our daughter,
Emily Grace Johnson
from the University of Alabama
Bachelor of Business Administration
Class of 2027

College Announcement With Career Plans

Emily Johnson
University of Alabama
Bachelor of Business Administration
Class of 2027
Next stop: Chicago
Next chapter: a career in marketing!

College Announcement With Graduate School Plans

Big things ahead!
Emily Johnson
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Class of 2027
Next stop: medical school!

College Announcement With Honors

Announcing the graduation of
Emily Grace Johnson
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Class of 2027
Dean's List • Honors Program • Research Scholar

Short Graduation Announcement Wording

Sometimes the best graduation announcement is the simplest one.

Short wording works especially well with photo-heavy designs where you want the graduate — and the photos — to do most of the talking.

Try one of these:

She did it!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027

The tassel was worth the hassle.
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027

Officially a graduate!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027

Next chapter: loading...
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027

And just like that...
She's a graduate!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027

The future starts now.
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027

Done. Dusted. Graduated.
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027

Funny Graduation Announcement Wording

If your grad would rather make people laugh than get sentimental, lean into it.

Here are a few funny graduation announcement ideas, add the grad’s name and graduating year after for a complete announcement:

The tassel was worth the hassle!

Somehow, we made it.

I came. I saw. I graduated.

Plot twist: I actually graduated.

Now accepting congratulations.

Degree unlocked.

Four years, approximately 47,000 cups of coffee and one diploma later...

Class dismissed.

BRB, becoming an adult.

Goodbye homework. Hello, real life.

Proof that I can finish something I started.

I graduated, so technically I'm qualified now.

For a funny announcement, pair a short saying with the graduate's name, school and class year so the important information doesn't get lost.

Heartfelt Graduation Announcement Wording

Some milestones call for a little more heart.

These graduation announcement messages are perfect when you want to celebrate not just the diploma, but the journey that came with it.

With hearts full of pride,
we celebrate Emma's graduation
from Lincoln High School.
Class of 2027
We can't wait to see where life takes you next!

Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School Class of 2027
What a journey it's been!
From the first day of school to this unforgettable day, we've loved watching you learn, grow and become the person you are today.
Congratulations, Emma. We couldn't be prouder!

You dreamed it. You worked for it. You did it.
Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School Class of 2027
We are so proud of you and everything you've accomplished. Congratulations, Emma!

Graduation Announcement Wording From Parents

Let's be honest: sometimes the graduate isn't the one ordering the announcements.

If you're the proud parent behind the announcement, here are some ways to make it sound like you.

Traditional Parent Wording

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
proudly announce the graduation of their daughter
Emma Grace Johnson
from Lincoln High School
Class of 2027

Warm Parent Wording

With great pride and joy,
we announce the graduation of our daughter
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027
We couldn't be more proud of the person she's become.

Simple Parent Wording

We're so proud!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027
Lincoln High School

Sentimental Parent Wording

From her first day of school to her final walk across the stage,
we've loved watching Emma learn, grow and find her way.
Please join us in celebrating her graduation.
Class of 2027

Playful Parent Wording

She came. She studied. She graduated.
And yes, we're ridiculously proud.
Congratulations, Emma!
Class of 2027

Graduation Announcement Wording With Future Plans

One of the most fun parts of graduation is sharing what's next.

For a high school graduate, that might mean announcing a college. For a college graduate, it could be a new job, graduate school, a move or an entirely new adventure.

College Plans

Class of 2027
Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School
Next stop: University of Tennessee
Studying Business

Career Plans

She did it!
Emma Johnson
University of Tennessee
Class of 2027
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
Next stop: Chicago!

Graduate School Plans

The next chapter begins!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Next stop: Medical School

Gap Year or Travel Plans

Class of 2027
Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School
Diploma in hand.
Passport ready.
Next stop: Europe!

Still Figuring It Out

Not every graduate has their next five years mapped out — and that's perfectly okay.

Try:

Class of 2027
Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School
What's next?
That's still part of the adventure.

Graduation Announcement Wording With Achievements

A graduation announcement can be a great place to highlight the things that made the graduate's school years special.

Keep this section short and easy to scan. Think highlights, not résumé.

Example:

Announcing the Graduation of
Liam Parker
Class of 2027
Lincoln High School
National Honor Society • Varsity Soccer Captain • Student Council
Headed to the University of Minnesota

Or:

Class of 2027
Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School
Valedictorian • NHS • Dance Team • Student Council
Next stop: University of Iowa

You can also use the back of the card for a longer list of accomplishments, favorite memories or a personal message.

How to Word a Graduation Announcement With a Party Invitation

Having a graduation party? You can make your announcement do double duty.

The easiest approach is to announce the graduation first, then add the party information underneath.

Casual Graduation Party Wording

She did it!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027
Lincoln High School

Come celebrate!
Join us for a graduation open house
Saturday, June 12 • 3–7 PM
The Johnson Residence

Fun Graduation Party Wording

The tassel was worth the hassle!
Emma Johnson is graduating!
Now let's celebrate.
Join us for an open house
Saturday, June 12 • 3–7 PM

More Formal Graduation Party Wording

Please join us in celebrating the graduation of
Emma Grace Johnson
Lincoln High School
Class of 2027
Please join us for a graduation celebration
Saturday, June 12 at 4 PM
The Johnson Residence

What Party Information Should You Include?

If your announcement is also serving as an invitation, include:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• RSVP information, if needed
• Any important parking or event details
• Whether it's an open house or a set-time celebration

If you're running out of space, that's your sign to use an enclosure card. It's perfect for the extra details without crowding your announcement.

How to Word a Graduation Ceremony Invitation

If you're specifically inviting someone to attend the commencement ceremony, make that clear.

Formal Ceremony Wording

You are warmly invited to attend the commencement ceremony of
Emma Grace Johnson
Class of 2027
Lincoln High School
Saturday, May 29 at 2 PM
Lincoln High School Auditorium

Simple Ceremony Wording

Join us for commencement!
Emma Johnson
Class of 2027
Saturday, May 29 • 2 PM
Lincoln High School

If the ceremony has limited seating or requires tickets, include that information so guests know what to expect.

Graduation Announcement Wording Template

Still staring at a blank card?

Start with this simple fill-in-the-blank template:

[Opening phrase]

[Graduate's Full Name]
[School Name]
Class of [Year]

[Degree/Major, if applicable]

[Optional achievement or future plan]

[Optional personal message]

For an announcement that includes a party:

[Graduate's Name]
Class of [Year]
[School Name]

Please join us to celebrate!
[Type of celebration]
[Date] • [Time]
[Location]
[RSVP information]

You can make this as formal, funny, short or sentimental as you want. The template is just the starting point.

What to Put on the Back of a Graduation Announcement

If your announcement has space on the back, don't waste it!

The back is a great place for details that don't need to compete with the graduate's name and photo on the front.

Add more photos

Show off another favorite senior portrait, a childhood photo or a few snapshots from the graduate's school years.

Share a favorite memory

Add a throwback photo of the grad’s first day of Kindergarten or their first time on the soccer field.

Share what's next

This fall, Emma will attend the University of Iowa where she'll study business and continue her love of dance.

List a few achievements

National Honor Society
Varsity Soccer Captain
Student Council President
Volunteer Mentor

Add a favorite quote

Choose something that actually feels like the graduate. It doesn't have to be a famous quote. A few words that have meaning to your family can be even better.

Write a thank-you message

For college or advanced-degree graduates especially, the back of the card can be a meaningful place to recognize the people who helped along the way.

Thank you to our family and friends for cheering Emma on through every late night, challenge and celebration. Your support has meant so much to us.

Graduation Announcement Wording for Advanced Degrees

Graduation announcements aren't just for high school and college grads.

If you're celebrating a master's degree, doctorate, law degree, medical degree or another advanced degree, include the degree and field of study prominently.

Master's Degree

Announcing the graduation of
Olivia Smith
University of Minnesota
Master of Education
Class of 2027

Doctorate

Dr. Olivia Smith
proudly announces the completion of her
Doctor of Philosophy
in Psychology
Class of 2027

Law School

The verdict is in!
Olivia Smith
Class of 2027
Juris Doctor
University of Minnesota Law School

Medical School

A new chapter begins.
Olivia Smith
Doctor of Medicine
Class of 2027

Graduate School + Future Plans

Years of hard work. One very big accomplishment.
Olivia Smith
Master of Science in Nursing
Class of 2027
Next stop: making a difference.

Graduation Announcement Wording for Twins or Multiple Graduates

Double the graduates, double the reason to celebrate!

For announcements for twins, siblings or multiple graduates, keep the wording parallel so both graduates get their moment.

Simple

Two grads. One big celebration.
Emma & Olivia Smith
Class of 2027

Classic

With great pride, we announce the graduation of
Emma Smith
&
Olivia Smith
Class of 2027

Fun

Double the caps. Double the diplomas. Double the celebration!
Congratulations, Emma & Olivia!

With Different Schools

They're graduating!

Emma Smith
University of Iowa

Olivia Smith
University of Minnesota

Class of 2027

Graduation Announcement Wording FAQs

What should I write on a graduation announcement?

At minimum, include the graduate's name, school and graduation year. College graduates can also include their degree and major. Optional additions include photos, honors, achievements, future plans, a favorite quote, parents' names and graduation party information.

How do you word a high school graduation announcement?

A high school graduation announcement can be as simple as the graduate's name, school and class year. You can also include college plans, accomplishments or a personal message.

For example:

Emma Johnson
Lincoln High School
Class of 2027

Next stop: University of Iowa!

How do you word a college graduation announcement?

College graduation announcements typically include the graduate's name, college or university, degree, major and class year. You can also include honors, career plans or graduate school plans.

Should I include future plans on a graduation announcement?

You don't have to, but future plans can be a fun addition. High school graduates might share their college plans, while college graduates might mention a new job, graduate school or their next adventure.

Ready to Celebrate?

You worked hard for this moment. Now it's time to share it.

Whether your style is classic, modern, funny, heartfelt or somewhere in between, the perfect graduation announcement is one that feels like the graduate.

Choose your favorite photos, find a design you love and make the wording your own. Then send your big news to the people who've been cheering you on all along.

Congratulations, Class of 2027!