200 Funny and Inspirational Graduation Quotes

March 24, 2025

Graduation is a big moment, it is more than a graduation caps and graduation cords. It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a little bit of both, the right words can help you make sense of it all. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the best graduation quotes to inspire, encourage, and make you smile. From funny one-liners to powerful advice, these quotes are perfect for speeches, yearbooks, or just to keep in your heart as you move forward.

What to Write in a Graduation Card

When writing a graduation card, keep your message clear and thoughtful. Start with a simple “congratulations” and acknowledge the graduate’s achievement. If you know their future plans, you can include a short note of encouragement or advice. Avoid writing too much, just a few sentences are enough. Including a quote to go with your graduation gift is a great way to add meaning to your message. You can give them the card at their graduation party or you can mail it to them! Choose one that fits the graduate’s personality or goals. Whether it’s inspiring or lighthearted, a well-chosen quote can help your message stand out.

Best Graduation Quotes

Graduation Quotes About Dreams and Aspirations

Graduation symbolizes endings and beginnings. The future is bright after graduation, so choosing a quote about dreams and aspirations is very appropriate for this time.

1. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
2. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
3. “Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again.” – Tim McGraw
4. “Dream big and dare to fail.” – Norman Vaughan
5. “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
6. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs
7. “Follow your passion, stay true to yourself, and never follow someone else’s path… unless you’re lost in the woods and you see a path. Then by all means, follow that path.” – Ellen DeGeneres
8. “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – Jennifer Lee
9. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
10. “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown
11. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – Tony Robbins
12. “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
13. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
14. “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” – Dr. Mae Jemison
15. “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.” – William Arthur Ward
16. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney
17. “Dream big, because life is too short to think small.” – Unknown
18. “Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.” – Oprah Winfrey
19. “Every great dream begins with a dreamer.” – Harriet Tubman
20. “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
21.  “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you believe that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain

Graduation Quotes About Hard Work and Success

Whether it is high school, middle school, or college, it takes a lot of hard work and effort to graduate. Use a graduation quote that reflects this hard work!

22. “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
23. “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers
24. “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces.” – Will Rogers
25. “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” – Dale Carnegie
26. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
27. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell
28. “Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill
29. “Success isn’t about what you accomplish, it’s about who you inspire.” – Unknown
30. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.” – Albert Schweitzer
31. “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle
32. “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” – Babe Ruth
33. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
34. “Don’t wait for opportunity. Create it.” – Unknown
35. “Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser
36. “Work hard in silence, let success be your noise.” – Frank Ocean
37. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
38. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller
39. “Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded.” – Wayne Dyer
40. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch
41. “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Unknown
42. “Wake up with determination. Go to bed with satisfaction.” – Unknown
43. “Work hard, stay humble.” – Unknown
44. “You are capable of amazing things.” – Unknown
45. “Keep hustling, keep growing, keep shining.” – Unknown
46. “Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow.” – Robert Kiyosaki
47. “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” – Unknown
48. “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” – Unknown
49. “You didn’t come this far only to come this far.” – Tom Brady
50. “Work until your idols become your rivals.” – Drake
51. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” – Fred DeVito
52. “Go be great. The world is waiting.” – Unknown
53. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
54. “Opportunity does not knock. It presents itself when you beat down the door.” – Kyle Chandler

Education & Learning Quotes

Choosing a quote about education is a meaningful way to honor the learning, growth, and challenges that shaped the journey. Education is more than just books and tests, it’s about discovering who you are and preparing for the life ahead.

55. “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron
56. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
57. “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
58. “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
59. “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey
60. “Education is the movement from darkness to light.” – Allan Bloom
61. “Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” – Malcolm Forbes
62. “Education is not just about learning facts but training the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein
63. “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.” – Unknown
64. “Knowledge will bring you the opportunity to make a difference.” – Claire Fagin
65. “Education is the movement from darkness to light.” – Allan Bloom (duplicate theme in this category)
66. “Your education is a dress rehearsal for the life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron (duplicate theme)
67. “What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” – Alfred Mercier

Inspirational Graduation Quotes

Graduation is such an inspirational moment. It’s a time to reflect on all the hard work, growth, and determination that led to this day. It marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another, filled with new dreams and endless possibilities. That being said, choosing one of the following inspirational quotes is a great option for graduation!

68. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
69. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
70. “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis
71. “Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what’s going to happen next and you are mostly making things up as you go along.” – Stephen Colbert
72. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius
73. “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” – Unknown
74. “Go forth and set the world on fire.” – St. Ignatius of Loyola
75. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
76. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss
77. “Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.” – Kerry Washington
78. “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden
79. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right—for you’ll be criticized anyway.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
80. “It’s not about perfect. It’s about effort. And when you bring that effort every single day, that’s where transformation happens.” – Jillian Michaels
81. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw
82. “Go out into the world and do well. But more importantly, go out into the world and do good.” – Minor Myers Jr.
83. “Your journey has molded you for the greater good…” – Asha Tyson
84. “Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep pushing yourself beyond what you think is possible.” – Unknown
85. “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
86. “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” – Mother Teresa
87. “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama
88. “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
89. “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela
90. “Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss
91. “Life is an adventure. Go out and make yours legendary.” – Unknown
92. “The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.” – Sarah Ban Breathnach
93. “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” – Winston Churchill
94. “Success isn’t about what you accomplish, it’s about who you inspire.” – Unknown
95. “Your life is your message to the world. Make it inspiring.” – Unknown
96. “Make mistakes, take chances, be silly, be imperfect, trust yourself, and follow your heart.” – Unknown
97. “Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.” – Jim Rohn
98. “You can’t have a better tomorrow if you’re still thinking about yesterday.” – Charles F. Kettering
99. “This is the beginning of anything you want.” – Unknown
100. “You are your only limit.” – Unknown
101. “Make today amazing.” – Unknown
102. “Create your own sunshine.” – Unknown
103. “Small steps lead to big things.” – Unknown
104. “Stay curious, keep learning.” – Unknown
105. “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.” – Gabrielle Giffords
106. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi
107. “Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.” – Unknown (also in Education)
108. “Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” – Suzy Kassem
109. “Be proud of how far you have come.” – Unknown
110. “New beginnings, endless possibilities.” – Unknown
111. “Trust the magic of new beginnings.” – Unknown
112. “This is your time to shine.” – Unknown
113. “Don’t just make a living, make a life.” – Dolly Parton
114. “Success is a journey, not a destination.” – Arthur Ashe
115. “Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and surround yourself with good people.” – Unknown
116. “You didn’t come this far only to come this far.” – Unknown
117. “The past is your lesson, the present is your gift, and the future is your motivation.” – Unknown
118. “This is not goodbye; this is the next chapter.” – Unknown
119. “Don’t settle for a career. Build a life.” – Unknown
120. “Your degree is just a stepping stone to your dreams.” – Unknown
121. “You are capable of amazing things.” – Unknown (also in Success)
122. “Make yourself proud.” – Unknown
123. “Your life is your message to the world. Make it inspiring.” – Unknown
124. “You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” – Brian Tracy
125. “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
126. “When nothing goes right, go left.” – Kristin Hansen
127. “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings
128. “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one.” – Dolly Parton
129. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
130. “Don’t try too hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try too hard to be different… just try hard to be you.” – Zendaya
131. “The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” – Maya Angelou
132. “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
133. “Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.” – Helen Keller

Funny Graduation Quotes

Using a funny graduation quote is a great way to lighten the mood and bring a smile to everyone’s face during a big milestone. It adds personality, shows confidence, and helps graduates and their families celebrate the moment with laughter and joy.

134. “You are now about to enter the real world. Brace yourself. It’s expensive.” – Unknown
135. “So, what’s it like in the real world? Well, the food is better, but beyond that, I don’t recommend it.” – Bill Watterson
136. “Graduation is like the day of reckoning. You will be judged based on what you have learned. Fortunately, if you’re wearing a cap and gown, no one expects you to know too much.” – Robert Orben
137. “My dear terrified graduates, you are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda
138. “Don’t worry too much about the world ending today. It’s already tomorrow in Australia.” – Charles Schulz
139. “Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself.” – Unknown
140. “To those of you who received honors, awards, and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too can be president of the United States.” – George W. Bush
141. “You will never have more energy or enthusiasm, hair, or brain cells than you have today.” – Tom & Ray Magliozzi
142. “Graduation: The moment you realize that adulting is real.” – Unknown
143. “As you graduate, remember: A diploma is just a piece of paper, but student loans are forever.” – Unknown
144. “Life after graduation: You now have to pay for Wi-Fi.” – Unknown
145. “The only time to be positive you’re headed in the right direction is when you’re walking across the stage.” – Unknown
146. “Dear parents, thanks for the tuition. We made it!” – Every Graduate Ever
147. “Always be the smartest person in the room… unless you’re in a room full of people smarter than you. Then be the one who brought snacks.” – Unknown
148. “Welcome to the real world, where fun ends and responsibilities begin.” – Unknown
149. “Just remember: when you think life is tough, college was worse. Congrats!” – Unknown
150. “Well, that was easy! Just kidding.” – Unknown
151. “I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever invented copy and paste.” – Unknown
152. “I would like to thank my coffee for getting me through college.” – Unknown
153. “The struggle was real, but so was the Wi-Fi.” – Unknown
154. “We came. We saw. We conquered. We took naps.” – Unknown
155. “I always knew my graduation day would come. I just didn’t think it would be so soon.” – Unknown
156. “Some people graduate with honors, I am just honored to graduate.” – Unknown
157. “Congrats! You have now graduated from taking notes to paying bills.” – Unknown
158. “The tassel was worth the hassle.” – Unknown

Religious Quotes for Graduation

159. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
160. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
161. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
162. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
163. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
164. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
165. “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 121:8 (NIV)
166. “God is within her; she will not fall.” – Psalm 46:5 (NIV)
167. “Let your light shine before others.” – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
168. “Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)

Song Lyric Quotes

Sometimes the best way to express yourself is through song lyrics! If there is a song lyric that reflects how you feel, go ahead and use it as a graduation quote!

169. “I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean.” – “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
170. “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” – “Closing Time” by Semisonic
171. “This is your life, are you who you want to be?” – “This is Your Life” by Switchfoot
172. “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right. I hope you had the time of your life.” – “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day
173. “Reach for the stars so if you fall, you land on a cloud.” – “Homecoming” by Kanye West
174. “Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” – “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
175. “A million dreams are keeping me awake.” – *”A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman
176. “Go on and try to tear me down. I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper.” – “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato
177. “You can go your own way!” – “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
178. “I’ve got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire.” – “Roar” by Katy Perry
179. “Started from the bottom now we’re here.” – “Started From the Bottom” by Drake
180. “I’m on top of the world, hey!” – “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons
181. “We are young, so let’s set the world on fire.” – “We Are Young” by Fun.
182. “I’m gonna live like tomorrow doesn’t exist.” – “Chandelier” by Sia
183. “Baby, you’re a firework. Come on, let your colors burst.” – “Firework” by Katy Perry
184. “I got the moves like Jagger.” – “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5
185. “This girl is on fire!” – “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
186. “Welcome to the good life.” – “Good Life” by Kanye West feat. T-Pain
187. “I’m feeling 22!” – “22” by Taylor Swift
188. “Don’t stop believin’.” – “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
189. “I’ve had the time of my life, and I owe it all to you.” – “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
190. “We’re on the edge of glory.” – “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga
191. “I’ve been waiting for my dreams to turn into something I could believe in.” – “One Step at a Time” by Jordin Sparks
192. And I’ll rise up, I’ll rise like the day.” – “Rise Up” by Andra Day
193. “You’ve got your whole life ahead of you.” – “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
194. “Hey look ma, I made it!” – “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At the Disco
195. “No one can hold us back, we’ll run where we want to go.” – “Try Everything” by Shakira
196. “Here’s to the ones who dream, foolish as they may seem.” – *”Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” from La La Land
197. “We’re breaking free, we’re soaring, flying.” – *”Breaking Free” from High School Musical
198. “I’m on my way, driving at 90 down those country lanes.” – “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran
199. “We’re all in this together. Once we know that we are, we’re all stars.” – *”We’re All In This Together” from High School Musical
200. “I’m just a believer that things will get better.” – “Believer” by Imagine Dragons