Motivational Quotes for Student Success

20 Motivational Quotes for Student Success

Graduate school is hard work and it can be difficult to keep your motivation through the long haul. Setbacks, stress, and deadlines are all expected on the road to graduate student success. Maybe you are in the middle of the semester and feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you have just finished a semester and are dizzy with exhaustion. Maybe you’ve had a setback and are trying to get back into the swing of things. Maybe you’re doing ok but have a friend who is struggling with their motivation for student success.

Regardless of the circumstances, everyone sometimes needs a reminder of the reasons we become graduate students in the first place and an outside perspective on what is really important. So, if you are feeling a little lost in graduate school or lacking the drive to get going for the day, I’ve curated this list of 20 Motivational Quotes for Student Success to give yourself the boost you need to get through another day.

I’ve broken this list into four sections that many students struggle with: Remembering The Joy of Learning, Overcoming Self-Doubt, Coming Back from a Setback, and Perseverance for the Long Haul.

Without further ado, here are 20 Motivational Quotes for Student Success.

Quotes About the Joy of Learning

In the hustle and bustle of graduate school, it can be easy to forget why we decided to become graduate students in the first place. As you read through these motivational quotes for student success, think about your reasons for applying to graduate school and the joy you feel when you learn something new.

A person reaches up to the moon, symbolizing reaching for knowledge. The image includes text for the first of the motivational quotes for student success. This matches the text beneath the image.

“The very least thing one should learn at the university is how to reach new knowledge.” ― Osman Doluca

The second quote for student success appears on an image of a child riding on the back of an elephant while taking pictures.

“I am sure my fellow-scientists will agree with me if I say that whatever we were able to achieve in our later years had its origin in the experiences of our youth and in the hopes and wishes which were formed before and during our time as students.” ― Felix Bloch

The third of the motivational quotes for student success appears overlaid on the image of a student with binoculars looks through a stack of books as if observing the rest of the world.

“From good examples we learn how to be. From bad examples we learn how not to be. An observant and willing student can learn from any circumstance.”― Richelle E. Goodrich

The fourth quote for student success appears over a woman scientist wearing a mask pulls open the front of her lab coat to reveal a super hero suit.

“Learn everything. Fill your mind with knowledge—it’s the only kind of power no one can take away from you.” ― Min Jin Lee

The fifth motivational quote appears over a photo of jars of coins that have seedlings growing out of them.

“The only thing that compounds faster than interest is learning.” ― Orrin Woodward

Motivational Quotes for Overcoming Self Doubt

Self-doubt among graduate students is common. Sometimes we look around and think everyone else is finding it easier and doing it better. That can make us wonder if we really belong in graduate school. It’s important to remind yourself not to compare yourself to others. It may look like it’s coming easier to them, but they aren’t necessarily advertising their own challenges. When you find yourself filled with self-doubt and unsure if you can succeed, come back to these motivational quotes for student success and remember that everyone has their own challenges, and you need to keep facing yours.

The sixth motivational quote for student success is overlaid upon the image of a person scaling a sheer cliff face with a rope.

Nothing is impossible, the word itself says, “I’m possible!” ― Audrey Hepburn

The seventh of the motivational quotes for student success appears over the picture of a road running through the desert with the word 'start' painted on it.

The expert in everything was once a beginner.” ― Helen Hayes

The eighth motivational quote appears on the image of a backpacker stands with his back to the camera looking off into the mountains.

“Every single important thing we do is something we didn’t used to be good at, and in fact, might be something we used to fear.” ― Seth Godin

The ninth quote is overlaid on the image of a person jumping between two large boulders at sunset.

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” ― William Shakespeare

The tenth quote appears on top of a photo of a man with eyes closed listening to music and smiling slightly.

“You do not need to pay attention to those voices within you that create pain or make you feel less competent, smart or able.” ― Sanaya Roman

Motivational Quotes for Student Success After a Setback

Problems in graduate school are common. If it were easy, everyone would be attending. I’ve personally worked with tons of students who have struggled to come back from a setback. Students have failed exams, taken incompletes, had disastrous proposal defenses, had research ideas fall through at the last minute, and even failed entire semesters. They have all gone on to successfully complete their degrees though because they didn’t let the setback stand in their way of getting back on track. If you are struggling to recover from a setback, look to these motivational quotes for students facing challenges.

The 11th quote image shows a woman blowing the tufts away from a dandelion gone to seed.

“Mistakes should be examined, learned from, and discarded; not dwelled upon and stored.” ― Tim Fargo

The 12th motivational quote text appears over a faded picture of a woman looking at a map with a slightly puzzled expression.

“When it comes to learning success, action is your school, and failure your teacher.” ― Majid Kazmi

The 13th motivational quote for student success is layered on the image of a blacksmith striking a hot piece of iron in his forge.

“Whenever you are going through life’s challenges, remember that for iron to be cast into its desired form, it must first go through intense heat.” ― idowu koyenikan

The 14th quote is overlaid on the image of a runner crouched down to tie their shoe in preparation.

“I don’t necessarily sit around inviting life to knock me down, but when it does I don’t wait around for an invitation to stand back up either.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough

The 15th quote appears with the image of a man in a hoodie stands arms cross over his chest, head hung down slightly. Behind him is a chalkboard with an image of strong arms in a show of strength and victory, symbolizing the man's potential.

“Today’s struggle is tomorrow’s strength, today’s setback is tomorrow’s comeback.” ― Amit Kalantri

Motivation for Perseverance

Graduate school is a process. It’s a long road and it’s easy to get exhausted and burned out. If you are struggling with fatigue and lethargy, take a break and rejuvenate with these motivational quotes for student success guaranteed to remind you why you need to keep pushing through.

The 16th of the motivational quotes for student success displays a notebook with pen lies on a table with crumpled balls of paper all around it.

“I learn by doing….the same thing over and over and over again countless times.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich

The 17th motivational quote for students appears over the photo of a rambling path through a green field at the base of a mountain range.

“There are always periodic opportunities to give up, while every single moment is an opportunity to persevere.” ― Dean F. Wilson

The 18th motivational quote is overlaid on the photo of a hand glider flying over a mountain range.

“You must dare, and dare again, and then dare a little bit more, and go on daring.” ― Justin Cotillard

In the image for the 19th motivational quote, a dog leaps over a fallen tree.

“Perseverance is not a passive submission to circumstances—it is a strong and active response to the difficult events of life.” ― Elizabeth George

The last of the motivational quotes for students appears across an image of a set of narrow stairs leads up between two stone walls in an old city. In the sky above a full moon is rising above the horizon.

Success is not the result of making one good choice or taking one step. Real success requires step, after step, after step, after step. It requires choice after choice, it demands life-long education and passion and commitment and persistence and hunger and patience.” ― Jesmyn Ward


I hope you enjoyed this curation of motivational quotes for student success. If you want to get more tips, tricks, and support to help you finish your degree, come join my Facebook group for near-daily content.

Wishing You All the Best in Your Academic Success.
Dr. Cristie Glasheen, Your Graduate Student Success Coach.


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H.N., Masters in Public Health

Just want to appreciate the incredible Cristie and how wonderful of a mentor she is. I’d want to be your student and to learn from you over and over again! There’s absolutely no one half as good as you’re. Thank you for being a part of my journey. My heart is SO full now that I’m done with my degree and I reflect on the huge role that you played in making it true. What a gem!

T.N., PhD. Evolutionary Biology

I’m a doctor!!! Wooo! The presentation went well […]. Thanks so much for all of your help getting to this point! I really appreciate it!

M.H., Ph.D. Toxicology

Dr. Glasheen! I passed with barely any revisions requested of me. I am able to submit my dissertation tomorrow morning […]!
Thank you for all your help!

A.S., Ph.D. Candidate, Industrial/Organizational Psychology

I PASSED [the oral comprehensive exams]. Thank you so so so so so much! I could not have done this without you! [redacted for privacy] I can’t believe it’s over […] The beginning of the end is finally here! I’m so happy!!!

A.S., Ph.D. Public Health

Finished! My dissertation was defended on 01-July and I am an official Ph.D.! What an incredible journey. I am so grateful for our interactions and still apply [your] lessons in life.

K.H., Doctor of Physical Therapy Student

It has been a crazy semester but it is going really well. Just finished 2 of my courses and feel really good about them. I feel like I have been able to use so much from working with you the last year to make this semester go amazing.

A.M., PhD Student, Economics

Successfully submitted my online [grant] application! It was an unknown journey for me, but what I now do know is that it was possible greatly thanks to you. So thank you so much!

Alex, Ph.D. Environmental Science

Having Cristie as a coach was one of the best investments I made in graduate school. Period. She was instrumental in helping me pass my comprehensive exam and finish my research proposal, all while giving me the tools to manage two other projects I was juggling at the time. Despite being laser-focused and results-driven in helping me achieve my academic outcomes, Cristie is also very human and reminded me that graduate school is more than just academics and that you have to make time for yourself and for fun stuff.

S.C., Professional Development Coaching

It’s so very evident how much Dr. Cristie cares about my progress and successes. It gets me through the hard days knowing how much she is genuinely routing for me. She’s gone out of her way to be responsive and supportive and help me get past the blocks I kept running into. She really did help get me unstuck and now I’m staying that way.

A.S., Ph.D. Epidemiology

I don’t know how other people who are balancing work and family manage to finish their dissertations without a coach, but I am so glad [other client] told me about you. This was the best decision I could’ve made. I’m so thankful.

A.M., Postdoc, Atmospheric Science

Hi Cristie, I just wanted to let you know that I finished my presentation on time… one day ahead of schedule! That’s a first for me. Thank you for your help keeping me on track with our coaching sessions!

R.H., Admissions Coaching for Master’s Higher Education Admin

“Hi Dr. Cristie! (…)

I’m happy to report I got into all the programs I applied for!

  • [Redacted] University: fully funded, plus $24,000 stipend & health care (…)
  • University of [Redacted]: no scholarship offered, did not apply for GA positions.
  • [Redacted] University: offered 50% tuition, GA position offered up to 66% tuition. (…)”

*Some content redacted for privacy.

F.N., Ph.D. in Environmental Economics

What’s been the most helpful? “Breaking down tasks that overwhelm me. Navigating many difficult decisions that are crucial towards achieving my PhD. Getting feedback on my work. And tracking the work in progress which is often invisible.”

“I think Dr. Cristie does an amazing job. I have tried the free coaching provided by my institution and I would rather pay Dr. Cristie.”

K.G., Ph.D. Public Health

Just got this in my email – [Dissertation] Approved with no restrictions! THANKS, COACH!

G.G., Ph.D. Bioinformatics

I just wanted to let you know I successfully defended and will be graduating in a couple weeks!
Thank you again for all your help […]!

I.M., Ph.D. in Economics

What’s been the most helpful? “It has been useful to look at problems from a different/more helpful perspective. I like that I have been able to work on my thesis sustainably without burning out, considering that I have a full-time job. I usually feel very motivated to work on my thesis after the meeting with Cristie, and having weekly meetings helps me be accountable and drastically reduce my procrastination. I also really appreciate the knowledge sharing of resources and the work smarter, not harder approach (e.g. AI suggestions, Andy Stapleton videos, Focusmate, programs that help with identifying duplicates, etc).”