25 Heartfelt Graduation Quotes

One of the most memorable moments you and a loved one will share together is watching them receive their diploma or degree after years of studying and hard work. It isn’t always easy to express the pride you feel for them or to say the right thing to encapsulate the moment, but we have you covered.

Here are 25 of the best quotes for graduation gifts that you can send to your grad for a graduation party or write on a congratulations gift.

Encouraging Graduation Quotes

Even after achieving an accolade like a diploma, graduates may need a bit of inspiration to set and achieve even higher goals. Tag a personalized photo project with one of the following encouraging quotes for inspiration.

“Your life is your adventure. And the adventure ahead of you is a journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential." — Kerry Washington

“If you can do what you do best and be happy, you are further along in life than most people.” —Leonardo DiCaprio

"Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you, you will never, ever have enough." — Oprah

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." — Muhammad Ali

Graduation Quotes From Mom or Dad

For years you plan what you could say to your child when they graduate — but your emotions get in the way and the words begin to fade. Allow us to give you some ideas to help you write the right thing on your child’s graduation canvas print.

“If at first you don’t succeed, do it like your mother told you.”

“Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After 22 years of child-raising, they are unemployed.” — Erma Bombeck

“I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.”

“Set out each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for great things.” — Josh Hinds

Graduation Quotes From a Sibling

Some of the most important words your sibling will hear on their graduation day could be directly from you. You’ve shared their good times, their bad times, and their secrets — but now you’ll share one of the most important moments of their life. Sign their personalized yearbook with one of these quotes.

“Congratulations on your graduation, my lovely sister! Be yourself and courageous. I am confident that you will shine in every aspect of your life. I have faith in you.”

“You have forever been an inspiration to us. You never let your parents down. I’m happy for you, sister.”

“You’ve always been meticulous from the start. I admire your bravery. Congratulations on graduating!”

“You succeeded! There are no words to convey how proud I am of you. Your hard work has been recognized. Congratulations.”

Funny Graduation Quotes

Your loved one is likely to be nervous on this day, and a joke could be enough to ease their nerves. Create a scrapbook packed with silly memories and funny quotes to change their mood.

Tag them into your funniest picture together and caption the moment with a funny graduation quote like the following.

"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." — Albert Einstein

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." — Ferris Bueller, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"

"Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas."  — Paula Poundstone

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." — Frank Zappa

Graduation Quotes for Law and Medicine Graduates

If you want your graduation quote to be more specific, you should mention your loved one’s career path. Whether they’re a medical, law or engineering graduate — we’ve curated a list of professional quotes to write on their graduation gift.

Medicine Graduates

“Congrats to all the graduates! You’ve worked hard for this day. It’s about time you get to do what you love—and help others do the same.”

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love for humanity.” – Hippocrates

“Not all angels have wings, some have stethoscopes.”

“Study hard until you can say “ I am a doctor everything is gonna be alright.”

Law School Graduates

“Your hard work finally paid off at last, and I want you to know that I’m very happy for you and proud of your success. Congratulations on your graduation from law school, my dear.”

"To our new Law Graduate: Let justice be your north star, and kindness your driving force. Congratulations."

“My warmest wishes to you on this special occasion of your graduation from law school. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.”

“I’m excited to see you finally graduate and find that you will do everything possible for justice always to flourish. I am very proud of you. You deserve this success and I know that you can get even more. ”

Personalize Your Graduation Gift with Quotes

We hope you enjoyed our list of graduation gift quotes and that you’ll use them to personalize a photo book, greeting card or keepsake. Find inspiration on Mixbook for ways to display the quote of your choice at a graduation party or a virtual commencement.