Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Jessica Reid
This post is about all the best graduation cap ideas
Are you excited to decorate your graduation cap but not sure how you should design it? If so, then this post is for you.
I have scoured the internet to find the BEST OF THE BEST graduation cap ideas so choosing your graduation cap design can be fun, quick, and easy.
In this post you’ll find:
- funny graduation cap ideas
- inspiring graduation cap ideas
- clever graduation cap ideas
- Disney inspired graduation cap ideas
- graduation caps ideas for each college major
- movie inspired graduation cap ideas
- childhood inspired graduation cap ideas
- BLM inspired graduation cap ideas
- and a few song inspired graduation cap ideas
Should you want to hire someone to design your graduation cap, you’ll get a list of the top graduation cap design artists to book this year.
Finally, should you decide you want to DIY your graduation cap, I’ll give you the supplies you’ll need and an amazing list of clever graduation quotes for caps ideas that you can choose from.
Let’s jump in!
Disclosure: *This post contains affiliate links which means that I may receive a small commission at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.
Our Top Graduation Cap Ideas:
Best of the Best Graduation Caps Design:
Best Creative Graduation Caps Design:
Funniest Creative Graduation Caps Design:
Credit: Unknown
Most Inspiring Graduation Caps Design:
Instagram @ CustomCouturebyEmiah
Cleverest Graduation Caps Design:
Best Disney Inspired Graduation Caps Design:
Funny Graduation Caps Ideas
#1.
I had to make this Finding Nemo inspired cap the funniest cap of them all because in an ideal world we’d like to think that at graduation we still remember everything we learned, but the truth is, like Dory, we forget quite a bit.
So why not make a joke out of it and get a few laughs walking down the aisle…haha:
” I already forgot everything.”
#2.
Love Sponge Bob and his funny sense of humor? Consider adding him to your graduation cap design: “Ight, Imma graduate.”
#3.
Want to add some dry humor to your cap? You can use a villain like Plankton to pull off a funny joke like this one: “Goodbye Everyone, I’ll remember you all in therapy.”
#4.
If you enjoyed drinking in college, another funny graduation cap idea is adding glass full of wine on you cap with the words: “I wined a lot but I did it!”
#5.
Want to make your cap funny but not sure which joke to settle on, you could also just pull a Patrick and say whatever comes to mind: “Is Mayonnaise a major?”
#6.
Another genius and funny graduation cap idea is to do a transition in time like it is done in Sponge Bob except with a little exaggeration lol…“Thousands of bugs later…”
#7.
Undecided about what you’re going to do after high school or college? Make a light joke out of it by saying, “What now?”
Inspiring Graduation Caps Ideas:
#8.
If God has been a source of strength and encouragement to you during your years leading up to graduation, a great graduation cap idea is add a beautiful quote like this one: “God is within her. She will not fail.”
#9.
Did your family move to another country to help you have a better life and opportunity? Inspired by their plight? A great graduation cap idea is one dedicated to them: “Product of Immigrants”.
#10.
Instagram @Gradcapsbybreezy_sc
Another inspiring graduation cap idea is this one: “She turned her cant’s into cans and her dreams into plans.” (*Snap*) (*Snap*)
#11.
Want to do something short yet still powerfully inspiring…go with this graduation cap idea: “Nevertheless, she persisted.”
#12.
Did you have to tap into your own strength and become your own hero to get your diploma or degree? If so, here’s a sweet way to say it: “She needed a hero, so she became one.”
#13.
Instagram @Gradcapsbybreezy_sc
Another great graduation cap idea is to use an inspiring bible verse! Here, this graduate pulled a bible verse from Isaiah 54:17 and made it work for her cap: “The weapons formed, but they did not prosper.”
#14.
You could also copy this great faith-inspired graduation cap idea: “A move made by God’s grace.”
#15.
Instagram @ CustomCouturebyEmia
Has anyone in your life doubted you or tried to set you back…hit them with this: “Always stay gracious. Best revenge is your paper.”
P.S. Also, can we talk about how stunning this cap is?? The gold sprinkles and that hand clutching the paper? This cap is definitely an eye-catcher!
#16.
#17.
#18.
You can also use one of these three powerful quotes for your graduation cap:
- “I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”
- “There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs and it always seems impossible until it’s done.”
- “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
P.S. While I love the cap on the left, if you decide to design your graduation cap like that one, make your cap white so the letters standout more.
Clever Graduation Caps Ideas:
#19.
Instagram @gradcapsbybreezy_sc
#20.
Instagram @gradcapsbybreezy_sc
Yes…we all know that B.S. in every other sentence means bull sh*t but if you are getting a B.S. degree, it cleverly means something else. So don’t miss out on your one chance to pull it off…
“4 Years Later, All I Got Was This B.S.”
“The B.S. That Matters.”
#21.
Instagram @ CustomCouturebyEmiah
Are you that chick who playfully tells her friends, “Yes, Imma Queen” or that chick your friends tease by calling you a queen? Well, for graduation you’ll be replacing your crown for a cap for a day. Why not say so… “I usually wear a crown but today this will do.”
#22.
Have you been going to school to become a labor and delivery nurse? Here is a clever L& D nurse inspired graduation cap idea that you can copy!!
“L& D Nurse at your cervix”
P.S. Don’t forget to add the baby! (In picture)
#23.
Instagram: @gradcapsbybreezy_sc
If you’re obsessed with America’s Next Top Model as I am, then this is a genius graduation cap idea to run with…
“America’s Next Top Graduate” 
#24.
#25.
Lol, am I the only one that thought the pandemic would be gone by 2022?
Covid-19, omicron, and all the other mutations of the virus may have presented some challenges this school year but it didn’t stop you from getting to graduation. And that’s pretty amazing!
Turn it into a graduation cap design like these two:
- “Even a global pandemic couldn’t stop me.”
- “I survived coronavirus and graduation. I can do anything.”
#26.
Does you school share the last two initials as this school? Then this is another genius graduation cap idea you can copy.
You can incorporate your university’s colors and mascot and say, “C.U. Later!”
Of course, this would only make sense if you have no plans to return to your school for another degree.
27.
Instagram @Gradcapsbybreezy_sc
Now this cap is just perhaps the cleverest of them all. Why? If you’re an accountant, you actually got several great graduation cap ideas you can totally run with! Don’t miss it:
(1) “I’ve been accounting the days 2021”
(2) “Account on me”
(3) ‘Kiss my assets”
(4) “LIFO (Last In, First Out) the party”
#28.
Yes, you’re seeing this cap again because this is REALLY clever…
Disney Inspired Graduation Cap Ideas:
#29.
If you’ve watched Nemo, then you know of the most memorable parts of the movie is when the sea turtles say “Whoa…” and “Dude.” Bring the fun back by adding your favorite sea turtle to your cap:
“See you later Dudes.”
#30.
Still obsessed with Cinderella? If so, you’re not the only one. My sister, who’s turning 30 this year (2022), can’t go one year without watching Cinderella or one of the spinoff versions.
Anyway, I digress. You can show off your obsession by incorporating Cinderella’s most iconic line in the ending scene into your graduation cap idea.
“And she graduated happily ever after.”
#31.
Another genius idea for a cap idea is to include a quote from Disney.
“All our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Don’t like this one, and want another Disney quote idea, checks these Disney quotes out.
#32.
Love Lilo & Stitch the movie? Here’s an awesome Lilo & Stitch inspired graduation cap idea you can totally use:
“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
#33.
#34.
Do you love Tangled? (*It’s actually one of my favorite Disney movies*)
If so, then go for either one of these beautiful Tangled-inspired graduation cap design featuring the iconic floating lanterns as the one pictured above and add a clever quote of your choice.
#35.
Are you graduating with a degree in social work, criminal justice, law, or another social justice career? Then this is a great graduation cap idea to run with.
“Leave the saving the world to men? I don’t think so!” – Elastigirl, The Incredibles movie.
#36.
Another great Disney graduation cap idea is incorporating the iconic Disney castle.
#37.
Lol, how creative is this? You can take the toy vending machine scene from Toy Story and replace Woody and Buzz for your diploma on your graduation cap.
#38.
This graduation cap cracks me up! It’s one of my favorite Disney graduation cap idea on this list. You’ll definitely get a lot of attention with this cap.
#39.
If you’re a fan of beauty and the beast then you’ll be a fan of this graduation cap idea.
You can model this cap by adding beauty and the beast, the castle, and her house friends or choose one of the three elements with a clever quote.
This one says: “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.”
#40.
Finally, you have Mulan, the tough warrior (*One of my favorite Disney Princesses). If college was just as tough Mulan’s plight to becoming a warrior, this may be a fitting cap idea for you.
“Let’s get down to business” is taken from the first line of my favorite song in Mulan, “I’ll make a man out of you.”
High School Graduation Caps Ideas:
#41.
I don’t know why but this cap reminds me of the song “Youth” by Shawn Mendes and Khalid, when they sing “Don’t steal my youth away.” This is also a beautiful fun cap…
42.
43.
44.
If you are looking for classy graduation cap idea with flowers, here are three stunning ways to design your cap. I personally love the caps with the dark navy blue background because the flowers stand out more. 🙂
#45.
If you’re a sucker for sunflowers and want a short and sweet message, then this graduation cap idea has your name written all over it.
#46.
Credit: www.threetwentynine.co
You could also go with this short and fun message with sparkly flowers at the side…
“and so the adventure begins…” 
#47.
This is another graduation cap idea that cracks me up – “I’m leavin’ it.” If you want a graduation cap that no one will forget, roll up to graduation with this cap!
#48.
Did you frequently make donuts and coffee runs before school each morning? (I know so many of my colleagues that did ) If so, then this graduation cap idea would be perfect for you.
#49.
#50.
Are you excited to share where you’re going to college? Here are two great ways to announce it.
#51.
This graduation idea cracks me up.
If you’ve ever watched High School Musical, you know that it was all singing and dancing and nothing like real High School no matter how much we wish it could have been lol.
Well, here’s one last great clever opportunity to rock HSM in high school.
#52.
If you have plans to go to college, you could also keep your graduation cap idea REALLL simple and just say “to be continued…” 
#53.
Going off to the military after high school? You can also do a military inspired graduation cap by including your military’s symbol and colors.
Nursing Graduation Caps Ideas:
#54.
Do you plan on becoming a Labor and Delivery Nurse? If so, then you definitely got to copy this! This is too good and too clever to pass up?
#55.
#56.
You can also go with a simple elegant graduation cap design and add your title and name.
#57.
Credit: www.threetwentynine.co
Looking for another clever nursing graduation cap quote. Try this one:
“Not all angel’s have wings. Some have stethoscopes.”
#58.
Is administering shots to patients in your foreseeable future? Then why not say so on your graduation cap ?!
#59.
You could also go with this clever healthcare hero graduation cap idea: “Breath easy…I eaRNed it.”
#60.
Another great graduation cap idea is to give a sweet shout out to your friends and/or family who have helped you get through nursing school.
#61.
Credit: www. threetwentynine.co
Are you a fan of the show FRIENDS? If so, you could design your nursing graduation cap to say “the one where I became a nurse.” lol
#62.
Credit: www.threetwentynine.co
Lol obsessed with taco’s? Wings? Ice cream? Whatever your food obsession is, you can decorate your graduation cap to say you’ll offer free X advice for X.
Business Graduation Caps Ideas:
#63.
For all my business majors…“Let’s get down to business,” is a super clever message you can add to your cap.
Accounting Graduation Cap Idea:
#64.
Instagram @Gradcapsbybreezy_sc
Haha, and for my accounting majors, you can say…”I’ve been accounting the days.” lol
Criminal Justice and Law Graduation Caps Ideas:
#65.
Instagram @Customcouturebyemiah
Usually Bachelor of Arts degrees are handed out to students majoring in law or criminal justice, but for purposes of your cap, I think you could get away with saying,“Legally speaking I’m done with this B.S.”
#66.
So I love this cap brings back serious memories of my law school days. I never cried so much in school like I did in law school. It was just too dang hard. Now that law school is all over, looking back, “I wish hadn’t cried so much.”
If you had a similarly tough experience in school, I say go with this cap.
#67.
Practicing law or any law related career is all about rescuing people from injustices…so if you’re a woman graduating with a law related degree, you could also go with this clever cap:
“Leave the saving of the world to men? I don’t think so!”
P.S. Or you could totally steal this idea of lighting up the borders of your cap and go with another quote for your graduation cap.
Engineering Graduation Caps Ideas:
#68.
Instagram @Gradcapsbybreezy_sc
Feeling proud that you’ve graduating with a degree in a male dominated field called engineering?
If so, a genius graduation cap idea is to say so on your cap:
“She believed she could, so she became an engineer.”
#69.
This graduation cap idea is soooo good because its so true! Engineering is the closest thing to magic since you can invent or build something no one has ever seen before.
Psychology Graduation Caps Ideas:
#70.
If you’re a psychology major, a great graduation cap idea is to go with the clever line, “I chose the psycho-path.“
In addition, if you’ll be using your degree in psychology to pursue a career in forensics or criminal justice, like in this picture, you can add yellow tape to your cap, “crime scene” to make your cap stand out. 
#71.
Or you can celebrate how happy you are to be done with your degree by saying “Psyched I am done with this B.S.”
#72.
#73.
Don’t mind the crazy side of psychology? If yes, then a great line you could include on your psychology graduation cap is “No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.”
Communication & Journalism Graduation Caps Ideas:
#74.
Credit: www.threetwentynine.co/
Here is a simple yet cute graduation cap idea for all my speech pathologist majors… 
Education Graduation Caps Ideas:
#75.
I love this cap so much because anyone who studies autism knows that a pattern of colorful puzzle pieces is an iconic symbol for autism awareness.
That’s why if you’re getting a masters in education for autism, this would be such a genius graduation cap idea for you!
#76.
If you’re graduating with your teaching degree, a great graduation cap idea is to add two pencils with the line…“My turn to teach.” 
#77.
You could also say something sweet like, “It takes a big to shape little minds.”
#78.
Or you could do a graduation cap with beautiful graphics of different school supplies coupled with an inspiring quote such as, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
#79.
Another great teaching graduation cap idea is to feature a beautiful stack of textbooks with your favorite school supplies and say, “And She Taught Happily Ever After.”
Medicine Graduation Cap Ideas:
#80.
Becoming a doctor and want to add something funny to your graduation cap? Use this one. This one cracked me up… “Keep talking, I’m diagnosing you.” 
#81.
Another cool medicine graduation cap idea is to add picture of yourself in your white coat resting on all the books you had to read to get to the finish line.
Pre-Med Graduation Cap Ideas
#82.
Going to med-school? Here is a simple yet beautiful graduation cap idea you could go with.
#83.
I thought this cap was extremely clever because in my opinion, ANY undergraduate science degree takes a lot of nerve to get through, especially chemistry!!
This graduation cap idea also works if you’re pursuing a degree in psychology.
I thought this cap was extremely clever because in my opinion, ANY undergraduate science degree takes a lot of nerve to get through, especially chemistry!!
#84.
This graduation cap idea also works if you’re pursuing a degree in psychology.
I thought this cap was extremely clever because in my opinion, ANY undergraduate science degree takes a lot of nerve to get through, especially chemistry!!
This graduation cap idea also works if you’re pursuing a degree in psychology.
Movie/Show Inspired Graduation Caps Ideas:
#85.
SpongeBob quotes always make great graduation cap ideas. I like this one the best because it is short and to the point but very funny.
If you do go with SpongeBob, do consider including a picture of a scene from the show to make the cap extra funnier.
SpongeBob and his gang always have the best facial expressions.
P.S. Want more hilarious SpongeBob quotes. Check out more here.
#86.
If you’re obsessed with Harry Potter, you could also do this funny graduation cap idea, “Because Hogwarts don’t accept FAFSA…”
#87.
You could also do a toy story inspired graduation cap by recreating this toy vender machine scene and switch out buzz and woody for your diploma.
#88.
Obsessed with Star Wars – The Force Awakens? Then do a Star Wars inspired graduation cap by adding the famous Yoda saying, “The force is strong with this one.”
Childhood Inspired Graduation Caps Ideas:
#89.
Live by or been inspired by one of Dr. Suess’s famous quotes?
If so, another brilliant graduation cap idea is to do a Dr. Suess inspired graduation cap idea featuring one of Dr. Suess’s characters and an iconic quote…
This cap features Cat in the Hat and says…“The More You Read, the More You Know. The More You Learn, the More Places You’ll Go.”
#90.
Similarly, if you enjoyed Winnie the Pooh as a kid, you can do a Winnie the Pooh inspired cap with the quote, “It makes such a difference,” said Pooh “to have someone who believes in you.”
BLM Inspired Graduation Caps Ideas:
#91.
Want to do a BLM inspired graduation cap? Design your cap to include fists raised with a quote that speaks to your soul. This cap says, “I’m Graduating for Them. Say their Names.”
Family Inspired Graduation Caps Ideas:
#92.
#93.
Want to dedicate your graduation cap idea to your parents? You can do a copy this beautiful floral cap and say, “Thanks Mom & Dad” or “This one is for you Mom/Dad.”
#93.
Instagram @ CustomCouturebyEmiah
Did you have a whole community of loved ones behind you to help you get your degree? A genius graduation cap idea is to feature some of them on your cap with the message, “it took a village.”
#94.
You could also go with this sweet message, “All I am and hope to be, I owe to those who believe in me.”
#95.
Proud of the loved one’s who helped you get through college? Proud to represent the country your family hails from?
Then consider adding the names of your loved ones and/or your family’s country’s colors to your cap.
College Branded Graduation Caps Ideas:
#96.
If you done with college and your school’s name fits, you could steal this funny college inspired cap idea for your graduation cap design and say “C.U. Later!”
#97.
If you’re college bound or wish to a nice keepsake to remember the college you attended, you could dress your graduation cap with your college’s logo and initials.
Undergraduate Degree Graduation Cap Ideas:
#98.
Instagram @ CustomCouturebyEmiah
Another cool graduation cap idea is to feature your hands grabbing your diploma like this one…wish freshly painted nails, of course.
#99.
Instagram @ CustomCouturebyEmiah
#100.
If this is your first college degree, an awesome graduation cap idea is to include the clever line, “Now Hotter by One Degree.”
P.S. I honestly wish I thought of this idea when I was graduating with my bachelor’s degree!!!
My advice, if you know you’re going to go back to school to get another degree, then go with this cap idea for this graduation or do something else for next graduation.
Master Degree Graduation Caps Ideas:
#101.
Graduating with your master’s degree? If so, this graduation cap idea is for you. Getting a master’s degree is hard work, but “through it all, [you] mastered it.”
#102.
If the journey to getting your master’s was just as enjoyable as crossing the finish line, you could also do a cap saying…
“The journey is the destination.”
#103.
Got a master’s in teaching in early education or special education? Here’s a sweet graduation quote you can write on your cap: “I mastered it to further flourish mighty minds.” 
Song Inspired Graduation Caps Ideas:
#104.
Instagram @Gradcapsbybreezy_sc
Is this your second or third or fourth degree? If so, say so like DJ Khaled… 
“And another one.”
#105.
Have big dreams for yourself? You can decorate your graduation cap to say, “A Million Dreams For the World We’re Gonna Make,” the iconic song from The Greatest Showman.
#106.
Credit: www.threetwentynine.co/
You could decorate your cap with the hammer line, “Can’t touch this.”
Other Beautiful Graduation Caps Ideas:
#108.
#109.
I love these two cap because they truly do a good job of summing up the college experience…
Like lemons and lemonade… College is tough but something sweet comes out of it…a college degree that no one can ever take away from you.
And college can be wild yet an equally wonderful experience.
#110.
Instagram: Gradcapsbybreezy_sc
If you’re a black graduate…you could also go with this stunning, beaded “black queen with a dream” cap idea.
#111.
Another graduation cap idea is to make it 3D such as adding greenery to your cap or a graphic of yourself with a dress you can touch.
#112.
Was getting to the finish line the result of several things…know it down to the percentage? Break the math down on your cap.
#113.
You could also put this sweet reminder on your cap… “Grow through what you go through.”
#114.
Or this sweet reminder…“Your wings already exist. All you have to do is fly.”
#115.
Here’s a nice graduation cap idea if you’re looking for something sparkly. 
#116.
Proverbs 6:9
#117.
Romans 8:18
#118.
Psalms 20:4
Another graduation cap idea is to also add your favorite bible verse to your cap with some flowers and a bow..
#119.
Taking a year or more off to join the peace corps or do something missionary work, you could also go with graduation cap idea…”Off to my mission field.”
#120.
Graduating from cosmetology school? Here is an epic cosmetology inspired graduation cap idea you should totally copy.
121.
Have a bad habit of being late to things and have a strong feel that graduation will be no exception?
Well, cover yourself with this graduation cap idea…“A Queen is never late. Everyone else is simply early.”
#122.
#123.
Credit:www.threetwentynine.co/
#124.
Have a motto you live by? Here are three creative and beautiful ways you can include your motto on your cap.
#125.
“Grad & Boujee”
#126.
Instagram @ CustomCouturebyEmiah
“Pretty & Educated”
Do you take pride in looking fabulous at all times and graduation will be no different? Then, Let your graduation cap match how you feel! 
#127.
Will your next adventure include some travel?
If so, draw some inspiration from this travel inspired graduation cap idea by sharing some pictures or a map of where you’ll be heading next.
Top Graduation Cap Design Artists To Book This Year:
(Warning…If you’re thinking about ordering your cap design, the sooner the better. These grad cap design artists book out fast!)
Lovin’ these designs and want this artist to create your cap? At Three Twenty Nine Co, you can select a cap design from their gorgeous collection of graduation cap decorations or order your own custom graduation cap design at their website, Three Twenty Nine Co.
Can’t get enough of this McDonald’s graduation cap and want one for yourself? (I knew I couldn’t be the only one) Rex Mills can do it for you! She’s also welcomes other custom ideas too! Send her a DM on Instagram here.
Looking to decorate your graduation cap with flowers? R & J Krafty Creations can bring your dream cap to life. DM them on Instagram or visit their Etsy shop to order yours.
Obsessed with these pop cultured inspired graduation caps? Well, your girl is officially take orders for 2022 and ships to “people all over!” Check out more of her amazing graduation cap decorations on Instagram and send her a DM to put in your order.
Lovin’ these super creative graduation caps? The creativity doesn’t stop here. According to Things By A, “Anything & Everything is Possible.”
So whether you’re looking for a disney inspired graduation cap, a funny graduation cap idea like Sponge Bob Square Pants, or a BLM inspired cap to honor and remember those who lost their life too soon, Things By A can delivery.
DM Things by A on IG @ThingsByA to inquire about placing your order.
Another insanely talented grad cap artist that I can’t get enough of is Kata Caps! Whether you’re looking to add rhinestones, flowers, drawings, or a custom element inspired by your heritage, family, or Disney, Kata Caps can fulfill. Check her out on Instagram and send her a DM for your cap.
Obsessed with color & diggin’ these graduation cap designs? You haven’t seen nothing yet! Her Instagram page is exploding with the most stunning, colorful grad caps you’ve ever seen with instaworthy calligraphy. Check Nat out on Instagram and order your cap asap!
P.S. If you’re in south Florida, you can also contact her to take graduation photos of you with your cap!
Can’t get enough of these T.V/movie inspired graduation caps?? Neither can I. Inkerbelle might as well be Tinkerbelle because she can turn any idea into something magical, color, and funny. If that’s the style you’re diggin’ for your graduation cap, send Inkerbelle a DM and order your cap today!
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Learn more aboutJessica, you’re go-to-girlfriend for college advice. Feel free toemail her if you have a question or just want to say hello.
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