How Many Graduation Announcements Should You Order? (College Graduation Guide)

by Edgar Mackey

When preparing for a college graduation, one of the most common questions families ask is:

How many graduation announcements should you order?

Most families send between 25 and 75 college graduation announcements, depending on the size of their extended family and social circle. Graduation announcements are typically sent to close family members, extended relatives, family friends, mentors, and professors who supported the graduate.

Planning your mailing list before ordering announcements can help ensure you have the right quantity.

Below is a simple guide to help determine how many university graduation announcements you should order.

Typical Number of Graduation Announcements to Send

For most college graduates, announcements are usually distributed across several groups.

A typical mailing list might include:

  • Immediate family: parents, grandparents, siblings

  • Extended family: aunts, uncles, cousins

  • Family friends: neighbors and longtime friends of the family

  • Mentors and professors: individuals who helped the graduate academically

  • Close friends: roommates, classmates, and college friends

Most graduates end up sending 25–75 announcements depending on their network.

Graduation Announcement Quantity Guide

Here is a simple breakdown many families use when planning their announcement list.

Immediate Family
10–15 announcements

Extended Family
10–25 announcements

Family Friends and Neighbors
10–20 announcements

Professors and Mentors
5–10 announcements

Close Friends
5–10 announcements

This structure helps most families reach the typical range of 25–75 graduation announcements.

Should You Order Extra Graduation Announcements?

Yes — it is usually a good idea to order extra graduation announcements.

Many families remember additional recipients after announcements are mailed. Ordering a few extra ensures you have announcements available for:

  • relatives you may have forgotten

  • coworkers or professional contacts

  • additional friends

  • keepsakes for family members

Most families order 5–10 extra announcements beyond their original list.

Who Should Receive Graduation Announcements?

Graduation announcements are typically sent to people who supported the graduate throughout their academic journey.

Common recipients include:

  • grandparents

  • aunts and uncles

  • cousins

  • close family friends

  • neighbors

  • parents’ coworkers

  • professors and advisors

  • internship mentors

  • close college friends

These announcements simply share the graduate’s accomplishment and allow family and friends to celebrate the milestone.

Do Graduation Announcements Require a Gift?

Graduation announcements do not require a gift. Their purpose is simply to share the exciting news of the graduate’s achievement.

However, some recipients may choose to send congratulatory gifts or cards after receiving an announcement.

When Should You Send Graduation Announcements?

Graduation announcements are usually mailed two to three weeks before the graduation ceremony.

Sending announcements during this time ensures recipients receive them close to the celebration.

Announcements can also be mailed shortly after graduation as a way to share the accomplishment with friends and family.

Tips for Creating Your Graduation Announcement Mailing List

Creating a mailing list early makes ordering announcements much easier.

Helpful tips include:

  • Ask parents for their list of family and friends

  • Check holiday card mailing lists

  • Include mentors and professors who helped during college

  • Add professional contacts such as internship supervisors

This process ensures everyone who supported the graduate is included.

Custom University Graduation Announcements

Once you know how many announcements to order, the next step is choosing the perfect design.

Darlingtongrads offers custom university graduation announcements featuring iconic campus landmarks and personalized graduate details. Our announcements are printed on premium cardstock and designed to celebrate one of life’s biggest milestones.

Explore our collection of custom college graduation announcements and create a keepsake your graduate will treasure for years.

For a complete overview of graduation announcement etiquette, see our College Graduation Announcements Guide.

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