How To List Your Education on a Resume

The education section of a resume plays a key role in showcasing your qualifications and ensuring the hiring manager sees you as a good fit. This guide explains how to list your education on a resume, what to include, and how to tailor it to the job requirements.

Why the Resume Education Section Is Important

Around 42% of job postings require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Listing education on a resume in its own section lets you highlight your academic credentials and show you’re qualified for the position.

For entry-level candidates, education often plays a larger role than experience when getting a job. Companies hiring for these roles want candidates who have credentials but who they can train on the job. Mid- and senior-level positions often require specialized degrees or certificates, and including these prominently in your resume can ensure applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers identify you as a top candidate.

What To Include in Your Resume Education Section

When listing your education on a resume, include all the basic details, such as the degree, your major, and what school you graduated from. Listing a graduation date is unnecessary unless your degree is still in progress.

If your education is extremely relevant to the position or you’re an entry-level candidate, consider adding your GPA (as long as it’s 3.5 or above), relevant coursework and projects, and any honors or awards you earned. Relevant certifications and licenses also go in this section depending on the role and your background.

How To Format the Resume Education Section

For recent graduates

When listing education on a resume, entry-level candidates and recent grads should place it near the top of the resume. This ensures the hiring manager sees you have the academic credentials even if you lack direct work experience.

For experienced professionals

If you already have several years of relevant work experience, your academic credentials should be after your accomplishments and skills. When listing your education on a resume, focus on degrees and certifications most relevant to the role and leave out extras like coursework or GPA.

For students or current graduates

Applicants still pursuing their education can list their degree on the resume as normal but note that they are in progress. You can do this by listing your education on your resume with an expected graduation date.

Formatting for certifications and licenses

One or two certificates or licenses can appear in your education section, but if you have more than that, consider having a separate section just for certificates. As with a degree, include the name of the certificate/license, the organization that awarded it, and when it expires, if applicable.

Examples of Resume Education Sections

Example 1: Entry-level candidate

Example 2: Experienced professional

Example 3: Current student

Tips for How To List Education on a Resume

Listing your education on your resume is fairly straightforward. However, some best practices can help your resume stand out if your education and qualifications are similar to other candidates.

• Emphasize your most relevant education. If you’re changing careers or have more than one degree, prioritize what’s most applicable to the job — especially if you’re short on space.
• Omit high school details if you have a college degree. Unless something in your high school academic background is extremely relevant to the position, such as an internship or project, you don’t need to include a high school diploma if you have a degree.
• Highlight achievements or coursework that align with the job description. Separate yourself from the rest of the applicant pool by going one step further and tying your education to career accomplishments and contributions.