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Quotes for Graduation: 90 Sayings in 8 Categories

Whether you are looking for funny, witty, serious or something in between, we have a few assorted quotes for you to pick from. When using these quotes, they will most certainly produce a smile on someone’s face -or your own.

Graduation is one significant milestone in someone’s young life. It is the culmination of many years of dedication, hard work and a common unified goal to reach graduation day.

It’s a day of celebration and pride in one’s achievement; hence, this represents the perfect opportunity to congratulate yourself or others for your hard-earned achievements.

Inspirational and Funny Captions and Quotes for Graduation

Inspirational and Funny Captions and Quotes for Graduation

If you are scoring the diploma this upcoming spring, you’ll fondly -or not- remember the numerous laughs, endless nights in the library, expensive textbooks and countless assignments to finish and hand in.

You might be happy to have it all behind you or fondly keep those memories dear of these days with a smirk.

Why not poke fun at it all with one of these hilarious short quotes and sayings? If you’re a proud family member or relative who wants to elicit a few giggles with their gift and card, you can’t go wrong with a quip from this roundup.

Put a big smile on their face right before they start their next chapter with some of our quotes below.

  1. Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
    (Will Rogers, American vaudeville performer, 1879-1935)
  2. I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
    (Mark Twain, American writer, 1835-1910)
  3. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back.
    (Oscar Wilde, Irish poet, 1854-1900)
  4. I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
    (Thomas A. Edison, American inventor and businessman, 1847-1931)
  5. A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car, but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.
    (Theodore Roosevelt, American president, 1858-1919)
  6. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
    (Henry David Thoreau, American philosopher, 1817-1862)
  7. If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.
    (Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter and graphic artist, 1853-1890)
  8. If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.
    (Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father of the United States, 1743-1826)

Here you will find more funny or inspirational quotes.

Short and Beautiful Quotes for Graduation

Short and Beautiful Quotes for Graduation

Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new one. This bittersweet moment is riddled with several emotions: painful goodbyes, happy tears, pride and excitement for the journey ahead.

Whether you’re walking across the stage to accept a diploma or simply cheering them on in the stands, take a moment to celebrate this milestone.

To help you find exactly the right words to meet the moment, we’ve collected an assortment of graduation quotes to honor the grad in your life, whether they’re making the leap from middle school to high school or heading out into the great big world after graduating college.

  1. Through discipline comes freedom.
    (Aristotle, Greek philosopher, 384-322 B.C.)
  2. Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
    (John D. Rockefeller, U.S. banker and entrepreneur, 1839-1937)
  3. I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.
    (Mark Twain, American writer, 1835-1910)
  4. This above all: To thine own self be true.
    (William Shakespeare, English playwright, 1564-1616)
  5. Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.
    (Mahatma Gandhi, Indian revolutionary, 1869-1948)
  6. Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
    (Confucius, Chinese philosopher, 551 B.C.-479 B.C.)
  7. The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
    (Socrates, Greek philosopher, 469-399 B.C.)
  8. The future influences the present just as much as the past.
    (Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher, 1844-1900)

Are you looking for more beautiful quotes? Here you’ll find them.

Funny Quotes for Graduation

Funny Quotes for Graduation

Getting to graduation day is hard work, and you are finally there. Now it’s time to celebrate, and what better way than with a great quote?

And we think that when it comes to graduation quotes, funny ones are the best, so we have gathered all the best funny graduation quotes so you don’t need to waste time thinking of what to say.

We have also included some funny graduation captions for when you need something to go with that perfect grad post. So if you celebrate your own grad or congratulate someone else, you will find the best funny quotes about graduation here.

  1. Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive: easy to govern, but impossible to enslave.
    (Henry Peter Brougham, British writer, 1778-1868)
  2. What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.
    (Ralph Waldo Emerson, American philosopher, 1803-1882)
  3. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
    (Henry David Thoreau, American philosopher, 1817-1862)
  4. If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.
    (Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter and graphic artist, 1853-1890)
  5. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.
    (Benjamin Franklin, American politician, 1706-1790)
  6. The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
    (Aristotle, Greek philosopher, 384-322 B.C.)
  7. I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.
    (Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, German naturalist, 1742-1799)
  8. The secret of success is to know something nobody else knows.
    (Aristippo, Ancient Greek philosopher, c. 435- c. 356 B.C.)
  9. I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn’t know.
    (Mark Twain, American writer, 1835-1910)
  10. Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.
    (Elbert Hubbard, American writer, 1856-1915)

Quotes about High School Graduation

Quotes about High School Graduation

Beyond the happiness you see on your friend’s faces, they – just like you – are unsure about the future. Be a beacon of light with a different high school graduation quote. You can choose to look beyond the clichés and humor.

Give your friends and loved ones something inspiring to take on the journey of life you are all about to embark on with amazing high school graduation quotes.

  1. To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.
    (Anatole France, French storyteller and critic, 1844-1924)
  2. What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.
    (Ralph Waldo Emerson, American philosopher, 1803-1882)
  3. Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.
    (John Dewey, American philosopher and educator, 1859-1952)
  4. The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.
    (Walter Bagehot, British journalist, 1826-1877)
  5. The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.
    (Leonardo da Vinci, Italian polymath and artist, 1452-1519)
  6. The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.
    (Plutarch, Greek philosopher, unknown -c. 119)

Inspirational Quotes about College Graduation

Inspirational Quotes about College Graduation

Graduation is a rite of passage, crossing a threshold from years of hard work and academic dedication into a new beginning of the next life stage, and what better way to mark it than with a few inspiring graduation quotes?

No matter their plans, goals or aspirations, everyone is bound to appreciate nice words and quotes to give food for thought on what next steps to take after graduating as a momentous milestone in their lives. Have a look at some suggestions below.

  1. You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.
    (Brigham Young, American politician, 1801-1877)
  2. If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with unexpected success in common hours.
    (Henry David Thoreau, American philosopher, 1817-1862)
  3. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
    Henry David Thoreau
  4. If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.
    (Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter and graphic artist, 1853-1890)
  5. If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.
    (Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father of the United States, 1743-1826)
  6. The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.
    (Saint Augustine of Hippo, Roman bishop, 354-430)
  7. The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
    (Franklin D. Roosevelt, American president, 1882-1945)
  8. I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.
    (Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father of the United States, 1743-1826)

Beautiful Sayings for Graduation

Beautiful Sayings for Graduation

There’s no need to deliver a whole wall of text when expressing your pride and congratulations to someone graduating. Simple sentences powered by deep and meaningful words can convey the same profound message of “Congratulations.”

To get you started, we provided you with a few quotes ready to be used or to give you an idea on how to personalize your own short but sweet graduation congratulations.

  1. Hope you’ll always find yourself as happy and full of big, crazy dreams as you are today.
    (Unknown)
  2. Hope you’re able to take a well-earned rest, vacation—whatever kind of break sounds like fun. You’ve earned it.
    (Unknown)
  3. You’re going to be a star. Congratulations.
    (Unknown)
  4. You deserve to see your dreams come true…congrats.
    (Unknown)
  5. This definitely won’t be the last time I get to brag about you.
    (Unknown)
  6. I’m so happy for you, even if this does mean you’re an [add school mascot here] for life.
    (Unknown)
  7. You’ve stepped up on the world stage ready to be a star. Love to see your shine
    (Unknown)
  8. I’m sure today will be only the first of many proud, successful moments for you.
    (Unknown)
  9. Sending warm congratulations today and wishing you all the best.
    (Unknown)
  10. Congratulations today and best wishes for all your tomorrows.
    (Unknown)
  11. I just know life has even more wonderful things in store for you.
    (Unknown)

Graduation Quotes for Instagram Captions and Posts

Graduation Quotes for Instagram Captions and Posts

Graduation is the one time of year when picture-taking opportunities are endless (or at least, it seems like it) — which means it’s never too early to start thinking about the best graduation captions to go with your cap and gown photos.

When you share pictures on Instagram or any other social media site, use one of these quotes to provide congratulations to new grads or your own.

  1. Be bold. Be courageous. Be your best.
    (Unknown)
  2. The things we are racing towards are better than what we leave behind.
    (Unknown)
  3. This is the beginning of everything you want.
    (Unknown)
  4. How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
    (Unknown)
  5. Behind you, all your memories. Before you, all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.
    (Unknown)
  6. May we continue to do amazing things in life.
    (Unknown)
  7. All good things must come to an end, but this is just the beginning.
    (Unknown)
  8. Enjoy the journey. Success does not rush.
    (Unknown)
  9. Take the risk, make the mistake. It’ll all be worth it.
    (Unknown)
  10. Behind you, all your memories. Before you, all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.
    (Unknown)
  11. May we continue to do amazing things in life.
    (Unknown)
  12. This is what dreams are made of.
    (Unknown)

Funny Instagram Captions for Graduation

Funny Instagram Captions for Graduation

Is your grad already overwhelmed with emotions? Graduation from high school or college is a big time, and it can be filled with excitement and bittersweet feelings. Keep it light with these funny graduation quotes.

The graduate will love seeing these senior graduation quotes in a custom graduation congratulations card, especially if you’ll be far from each other on a big day. Put a big smile on their face right before they start their next chapter by using some of the below Instagram quotes.

  1. Can I take a nap now?
    (Unknown)
  2. I got the skills to pay the bills.
    (Unknown)
  3. Let me put that "hire me" sign on my front lawn now.
    (Unknown)
  4. Graduate: A person who now has carpal tunnel from note-taking.
    (Unknown)
  5. Beauty and brains.
    (Unknown)
  6. Now, who is going to pay off these loans?
    (Unknown)
  7. Next stop: Adulting
    (Unknown)
  8. I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever invented copy and paste.
    (Unknown)
  9. Proud of my B.S.
    (Unknown)
  10. Now, it’s hotter in here by one degree.
    (Unknown)
  11. I’ve already forgotten everything.
    (Unknown)
  12. I owe my diploma to coffee.
    (Unknown)
  13. I’m 100% certain that I am zero percent sure of what I’m going to do.
    (Unknown)
  14. I graduated, so now I’m like all smart and stuff.
    (Unknown)

Bible Verses about Graduation

Bible Verses about Graduation

Graduation is an exciting time of change for all those involved, especially for the graduates. Whether it’s off to college or accepting a job offer, what lies ahead will be exciting and new.

Celebrating a graduation that reflects your religious beliefs is a great way to honor the big day, share your relationship with Christ, and offer encouragement.

If faith plays an important role in your life or the graduate’s, sharing a few bible verses in your graduation messages may be the perfect way to honor the occasion. Choose from some of the quotes below to help you make that connection.

  1. God has a great plan for you.
    (Jeremiah 29:11)
  2. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
    (Psalm 20:4)
  3. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
    (Proverbs 16:3)
  4. God has something great in your future.
    (Isaiah 43:19)
  5. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
    (Deuteronomy 31:6)
  6. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
    (2 Timothy 1:7)
  7. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.
    (Colossians 3:23)
  8. Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead.
    (1 Peter 1:6)
  9. Do everything in love.
    (1 Corinthians 16:14)
  10. And I am sure of this, that he who began good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
    (Philippians 1:6)
  11. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
    (Philippians 2:3-4)
  12. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
    (2 Timothy 2:15)
  13. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
    (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Here you’ll find more christian quotes.

Tips for Sending Graduation Quotes

Tips for Sending Graduation Quotes

Hats off to the graduates. Whether earning a diploma, a program certificate, a degree or even a great new professional title, their hard work deserves warm, thoughtful words of recognition and encouragement.

Maybe you’re experiencing one of those “Class of Everyone” years where you have a lot of graduation cards to send. Or perhaps you want some fresh ideas for what to write in a card for one special graduate. Either way, you are bound to find something useful below.

We’ve provided a few tips that should get your mental juices flowing and provide you with some cues on how to write the right graduation card for the right person. Have fun.

  1. If the card you’ve chosen already has “congratulations” printed, follow it with an ellipsis […] and add to the “congratulations” message.
  2. Let your relationship be your guide if you decide to write a lighthearted message. If humor is part of how you communicate with the graduate in everyday life, then feel free to be your funny self when you sign the card.
  3. It’s okay to be real in the face of hard circumstances. If the real you would say “This sucks,” then write “This sucks.” But don’t leave it at that. Try to take your message in a more hopeful, caring direction from there.
  4. If you know something about the graduate that’s worthy of extra celebrating (graduating with honors, first in the family, job offer waiting, etc.), that’s worth calling out in your message.
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