Graduations deserve to be celebrated, and a well-crafted graduation announcement is the perfect way to share your achievement. Whether you’re finishing high school, college, or a graduate program, your announcement should reflect your hard work and excitement for the future. This guide will walk you through what to include in your graduation announcement, from essential details to heartfelt wording ideas, ensuring your message is both meaningful and memorable.
Jump to:
- What is Included in a Grad Announcement?
- High School
- College
- Master’s
- Doctorate
- Nursing
- From Parents
- Funny
- Back of Card Ideas
- How to Address a Graduation Announcement
What Is Included In A Graduation Announcement?
When sending a graduation announcement, it’s important to include all the key details so friends and family know what you’re celebrating. Whether it’s high school, college, or beyond, your announcement should clearly share who’s graduating, from where, and when. Below are the essential details to include to make sure your announcement is both informative and memorable.
1. A Photo of the Grad
Personalize your announcement with a senior portrait or a favorite graduation photo to make it even more memorable. Get inspired with our guide on Graduation Picture Poses and Ideas.
2. Full Name
Include your first, middle (if desired), and last name so recipients know exactly who is graduating.
3. School Name
Let everyone know where you’re graduating from, whether it’s your high school, college, or university. If your school has multiple campuses, you can specify which one.
4. Parents’ Names (Optional)
Some graduates choose to include their parents’ names, especially if they are hosting the celebration or want to acknowledge their support.
5. Major or Degree
If you’re graduating from college or a graduate program, include your degree and major (e.g., “Bachelor of Science in Biology” or “Master of Business Administration”).
6. Graduating Year
Clearly state the graduating class year so recipients know which milestone you’re celebrating.
7. Honors & Achievements
If you’re graduating with honors (e.g., summa cum laude, valedictorian, or with distinction), this is a great place to showcase your achievement..
8. Back of the Card Details (Optional)
Use the back of the announcement for a heartfelt thank-you message, a favorite quote, or even additional photos from your academic journey. It can also include party information if you’re using your announcement as a graduation invitation.
High School Graduation Announcement Wording
The day has finally arrived — your high school graduate is ready to take on the world! Graduation announcement cards help share that excitement with everyone who’s watched your teen grow over the years. From big milestones to next steps, it’s time to make the news official.
Announcing the graduation of
Madison Lee June
from Westlake High School
Madison will be attending San Diego State University in the fall,
majoring in BioengineeringWith Pride and Joy
Mr. and Mrs. McGinn proudly announce
the graduation of their son, Patrick McGinn,
from Eagle Mountain High School
Patrick graduated with honors and plans to attend Harvard in the fallClass of 2026
We are thrilled to announce the graduation of
Laura Ayers
from St. Francis High School
Laura will be taking a gap year before attending
the University of Washington in 2026 to pursue a degree in Child Development
College Graduation Announcement Wording
The tassel’s been turned, the degree earned, and now it’s time to share the achievement with those who’ve been cheering you on. Check out these sample college graduation announcements that highlight your success and let everyone know what’s next in your journey.
Class of 2026
Congratulates
Nick Jones
on completing his degree in
Non-Profit ManagementUniversity of Michigan
Class of 2026
Proudly announces the graduation of
Emily Carter
with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Honors Graduate2026 Grad
Maria Gonzales
Graduated from New York University
With a Bachelor of Arts in Drama
Master’s Degree Announcement Wording
After years of dedication, your master’s degree is the culmination of hard work and commitment. Let the world know with these grad announcement wording ideas, designed to celebrate your academic achievement and open the door to the next chapter.
- We are proud to announce
the graduation of
Haley Hughes
from the University of Alabama
with a Master’s Degree in Education - The verdict is in!
Kyle Donaldson
has officially earned his Law Degree
from Seattle University School of Law - Hats off to the graduate!
Jonas H. Briggs, MBA
Class of 2026
Foster School of Business
Doctorate Degree Announcement Wording
Years of dedication and determination have led to this monumental achievement. Announcing your doctorate is the perfect way to let everyone know how you’ve mastered your field and reached the pinnacle of academic success.
- Dr. Erin Lee Shields
I am proud to announce that I,
Erin Lee Shields
am receiving my Doctorate in Medicine
from University of Florida - Timothy Stevens
Congratulations on earning your
Doctor of Philosophy
from Northwestern University - Class of 2026
Announcing the graduation of
Elizabeth Peterson, J.D.
from University of Pennsylvania Law School
Nursing Degree Announcement Wording
From the classroom to the clinic, your nursing degree is the start of an amazing career. These graduation announcement examples offer a professional yet exciting way to share your accomplishment with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Kelly Ann Fisher
I am pleased to announce that I,
Kelly Ann Fisher
am receiving my
Master of Science in Nursing
from University of Pittsburgh - Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson
are proud to announce the graduation of their daughter
Emily Louise Donaldson
from University of Minnesota School of Nursing - Rachel Calhoun
I am proud to announce that I,
Rachel Calhoun
am receiving my Bachelor of Science in Nursing
from Johns Hopkins University
Class of 2026
Graduation Announcement Wording From Parents
As parents, there’s no greater joy than seeing your child reach this milestone. Use these graduation announcement templates to express just how proud you are of your graduate’s accomplishments and share the excitement with loved ones.
- Mr. and Mrs. Meyerson
Proudly announce the graduation of
Oscar James Meyerson
with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sports Management
from University of Michigan - Brenda and Ken Henry
With great joy and pride
announce the graduation of their son
Hudson James Henry
from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo - Natalie and Doug
are proud to announce the graduation of
Dominic L. Chance
from University of California Los Angeles
Funny Graduation Announcement Wording
Why not add a little humor to your graduation announcement? These playful and quirky templates will help you share the news in a way that’s lighthearted and fun, capturing the joy of your achievement with a smile.
- Bring on the Pomp and Circumstance!
Class of 2026
Announcing
Annie Zuinga, MBA
from University of Washington
Foster School of Business - Yay! I am finally free!
And I’m pleased to announce that I,
Jeremiah Dickerson,
am receiving my Bachelor of Science in Business
from California Polytechnic State University - She’s passed her exams without a frown,
Now she’s the hottest hair stylist in town!
She’s ready to trim, cut, color, and wax,
She’s graduated with flying colors and is ready to the max.
Announcing the graduation of
Melissa Lynn Fernald
from Beauty School
What Should You Put on the Back of a Graduation Announcement?
The back of your graduation announcement is a great place to add a personal touch. While the front usually includes the essential graduation details, the back of the card can highlight more about the graduate and their journey. Many families use the back to include a favorite photo, a short message, or a few extra details about the graduate’s accomplishments and plans.
At Shutterfly, graduation announcements include free back-of-card designs, making it easy to customize this space with additional photos, a short note, or meaningful details that wouldn’t fit on the front.
Here are a few ideas for what to include on the back of your graduation announcement:
Graduate Achievements
Share a short list of accomplishments from the graduate’s academic journey.
Example:
Valedictorian – Class of 2026
National Honor Society
Varsity Soccer Captain
Student Council President
What’s Next for the Graduate
Let friends and family know what the graduate plans to do after graduation.
Example:
Madison will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara
where she plans to major in Environmental Science.
A Personal Message or Thank You
Many graduates include a short note thanking the people who supported them along the way.
Example:
Thank you to our family and friends for your love and encouragement throughout this journey. Your support means the world.
A Favorite Quote
A meaningful quote can capture the spirit of this milestone.
Example:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”
— Henry David Thoreau
Additional Photos
You can also add a second photo to show more of the graduate’s personality, such as a childhood photo, sports photo, or candid senior portrait.
How To Address A Grad Announcement
Unsure of how to address a graduation invitation or announcement? Here are a few quick tips and examples. Use the link above for more detailed instruction.
The mailing envelope of the announcement should be hand addressed and legible in blue or black ink. This might show as:
You can address people informally in the inner envelope. This holds the announcement. Informal addressing may look like:
Resources Related to Graduation Announcement Wording
Got everything you need for your graduation announcements? Here are some additional resources to guide you as you plan and celebrate this special milestone:
