Graduation announcements are formal or semi-formal cards (printed or digital) that share the news that someone has graduated, rather than inviting people to the ceremony or party.

What graduation announcements are

  • They are keepsake cards sent to family, friends, and mentors to let them know you completed a degree or program.
  • They are different from graduation invitations , which specifically ask people to attend a ceremony or party.
  • Many graduates, especially from college, send announcements even if they are not hosting a party, simply to mark the milestone and share the accomplishment.

What they usually include

Most graduation announcements are short and information-focused. Common details are:

  • Full name of the graduate
  • School or university name
  • Graduation year and date
  • Degree and major (for college or advanced degrees)
  • Honors or distinctions (like Cum Laude or Valedictorian)
  • Optional quote, future plans, or a short message of thanks

Why people send them

People send graduation announcements to:

  • Mark graduation as a major life milestone and share that moment with their wider circle.
  • Include relatives or friends who cannot attend the ceremony or party but still care about the achievement.
  • Create a memento that families can save, similar to birth announcements, save-the-dates, or holiday cards.

Basic etiquette and timing

  • Announcements are usually mailed or sent around a few weeks before or after the actual graduation date.
  • The tone can range from very formal (especially for college or graduate school) to more casual for high school or informal celebrations.
  • Clear, concise wording is preferred so recipients quickly understand who graduated, from where, and when.

Quick example

A simple traditional announcement might look like:

The family of
Jordan Avery Smith
proudly announces their graduation from
Riverside High School
Class of 2026

TL;DR: Graduation announcements are cards you send to tell people you’ve graduated and celebrate the achievement; they’re not necessarily invitations to attend the ceremony or party.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.