Graduating from college is one of life’s biggest milestones, and graduation announcements are a meaningful way to share the accomplishment with family and friends.
Families often have many questions when planning announcements, including:
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What should graduation announcements say?
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When should you send graduation announcements?
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Who should receive graduation announcements?
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How many announcements should you order?
This guide answers the most common questions about college graduation announcements, helping families celebrate their graduate’s achievement with confidence.
What Are Graduation Announcements?
Graduation announcements are printed cards sent to family and friends to share the exciting news that a student has graduated from college or university.
Unlike invitations, announcements do not invite guests to an event. Instead, they simply celebrate the graduate’s accomplishment and allow loved ones to share in the milestone.
Most announcements include:
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the graduate’s name
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university name
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degree earned
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graduation year
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optional honors or future plans
Graduation announcements are often kept as special keepsakes commemorating the graduate’s achievement.
Graduation Announcement Wording
One of the most common questions families ask is what to include on a graduation announcement.
Most announcements feature simple wording that highlights the graduate and their university.
Typical announcement wording includes:
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graduate’s full name
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university name
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degree earned
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graduation year
If you're looking for wording ideas, see our full guide:
Graduation Announcement Wording Ideas
Graduation Announcement vs Graduation Invitation
Graduation announcements and graduation invitations serve different purposes.
Graduation Announcements
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Share the news of a graduate’s accomplishment
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Sent to family, friends, mentors, and acquaintances
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Do not require attendance
Graduation Invitations
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Invite guests to attend a graduation ceremony or party
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Include event details such as date, time, and location
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Sent to a smaller group of guests
Learn more in our guide:
Graduation Announcement vs Invitation: What’s the Difference?
When Should You Send Graduation Announcements?
Most families send graduation announcements two to three weeks before the graduation ceremony.
This timing ensures that family and friends receive the announcement close to the celebration.
Announcements can also be sent after graduation if needed.
For a detailed timeline, see our guide:
When Should You Send Graduation Announcements?
Who Should Receive Graduation Announcements?
Graduation announcements are typically sent to people who supported the graduate throughout their academic journey.
Common recipients include:
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grandparents
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aunts and uncles
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cousins
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close family friends
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neighbors
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parents’ coworkers
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professors and mentors
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close college friends
For help creating your list, read our guide:
Graduation Announcement Mailing List Guide
How Many Graduation Announcements Should You Order?
Most families send 25 to 75 graduation announcements, depending on the size of their extended family and social network.
Typical recipients include:
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immediate family members
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extended relatives
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family friends
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mentors and professors
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close friends and classmates
Ordering a few extra announcements is always helpful in case additional recipients come to mind later.
Learn more in our guide:
How Many Graduation Announcements Should You Order?
College Graduation Announcement Examples
Graduation announcements can be written in many different styles.
Common formats include:
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traditional announcement wording
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formal announcement wording
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modern announcement wording
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minimalist announcement wording
See our full collection of wording examples:
College Graduation Announcement Examples
Celebrate Your Graduate with Custom University Announcements
Graduation announcements are a beautiful way to share the news of a college graduate’s accomplishment with family and friends.
Darlingtongrads offers custom university graduation announcements featuring hand-drawn campus landmarks and personalized graduate details. Each announcement is printed on premium cardstock and designed to become a keepsake families treasure for years to come.
Explore our collection of custom university graduation announcements and create the perfect announcement for your graduate.