Graduation announcement wording: examples for high school and college

A graduation announcement usually includes the graduate's full name, the name of the school, the degree or diploma, and the graduation date or class year. A simple version reads: "With pride we announce the graduation of Emily Rose Carter, Oak Ridge High School, Class of 2027." If the card also invites guests to a party, add the date, time, address and how to RSVP. This guide gives wording examples for high school, college and graduate degrees, party invitations and photo cards, along with tips on names, dates and mailing.

What to include on a graduation announcement

• The graduate's full name, including the middle name
• The name of the school
• The diploma or degree, and the major for college graduates
• The graduation date or the class year
• The city and state of the school, if relatives may not know it
• A photo of the graduate, if you are printing a photo card
• A short line from the graduate or the family, if you want one

Announcement or invitation?

An announcement shares the news. It is often sent to relatives and family friends who live too far away to attend, and it does not ask the reader to do anything. An invitation asks guests to come to a party, dinner or open house, so it needs the date, time, location and RSVP details. Many families print one card with the announcement on the front and the party details on the back, or add a small insert card with the party details for local guests only.

High school graduation announcement wording

Formal, from the parents:

Mr. and Mrs. David Carter
proudly announce the graduation of their daughter
Emily Rose Carter
Oak Ridge High School
Class of 2027

Simple:

Emily Rose Carter
Oak Ridge High School
Class of 2027

Casual:

She did it!
Emily Carter
Oak Ridge High School, Class of 2027
Next stop: Coastal State University

College graduation announcement wording

Formal:

Coastal State University
announces that
Michael James Reyes
has received the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Biology
May 2027

From the graduate:

I am proud to announce my graduation from Coastal State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History on May 9, 2027.
Thank you for your support along the way.

Simple:

Michael James Reyes
Bachelor of Science, Biology
Coastal State University
Class of 2027

Graduate and professional degree wording

For a master's degree, doctorate, law degree or medical degree, spell out the full degree name. A doctor of medicine can be listed with the title Dr. after graduation.

Sarah Lynn Patel
Doctor of Medicine
Coastal State University College of Medicine
May 2027

For nursing and other licensed programs, list the degree rather than the license, since the license usually comes later. For example, list Bachelor of Science in Nursing rather than RN.

Graduation party invitation wording

Party invitation:

Please join us to celebrate
Emily's graduation
Saturday, June 5, 2027
2:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon
123 Palm Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach
RSVP to Lisa by May 25 at (555) 555-0123

Open house:

Graduation Open House for Michael Reyes
Sunday, May 16, 2027
Stop by anytime from 1:00 to 5:00
45 Harbor Road, Northport

Combined announcement and party invitation:

With pride we announce the graduation of
Emily Rose Carter
Oak Ridge High School, Class of 2027
Please join us for a celebration on Saturday, June 5, from 2:00 to 6:00
123 Palm Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach

Short lines for photo cards

Photo cards usually have room for one short line along with the name, school and year. A few lines families use:

• Class of 2027
• Proud graduate
• Thank you for helping me get here
• The next chapter starts now
• Congratulations, graduate

Tips for names, dates and wording

• Use the graduate's full name as it appears on the diploma.
• Check the official name of the school and the exact name of the degree.
• On formal cards, spell out dates and times, such as "the fifth of June" and "two o'clock in the afternoon." On casual cards, numbers are fine.
• Give an RSVP date about one week before the party so you can plan food and seating.
• Leave gift requests off the announcement. If family members ask, they can be told directly.
• Ask someone who did not write the card to read the proof before it is printed.

When to mail graduation announcements

Party invitations are usually mailed three to four weeks before the party. Announcements are usually mailed shortly before or after the graduation date. Most graduations take place in May and June, and spring is a busy season for printers, so it helps to order in March or April.

Printing graduation announcements

The most common size is a 5 x 7 in flat card, which fits an A7 envelope. Photo cards print best on a smooth stock, and traditional text cards look good on uncoated or cotton paper with foil or letterpress. Our invitation size guide covers card and envelope sizes.

Eco Friendly Printer prints graduation announcements, party invitations and thank you cards on recycled paper with soy-based inks. You talk with Greg directly, and he will help you choose the size and paper, check your photos and send a proof before anything is printed. Request a quote with your quantity and party date.

Common questions

What should a graduation announcement say?

The graduate's full name, the school, the diploma or degree, and the graduation date or class year. A short line from the graduate or family is optional.

Do graduation announcements need to include the party details?

Only if you are inviting the reader to a party. Many families add a small insert card with party details for local guests.

When should graduation announcements be mailed?

Around the graduation date. Party invitations are usually mailed three to four weeks before the party.

Is it OK to send a graduation announcement to people who cannot attend?

Yes. That is the main purpose of an announcement. It shares the news with relatives and friends who live too far away to come.