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How To Add Anticipated Graduation Date On Your Resume

By Chris Kolmar and Experts
Jul. 20, 2022
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

How to Add Your Anticipated Graduation Date on Your Resume

As a recent college graduate or a student nearing graduation, it’s crucial to leverage your anticipated degree to secure a well-paying job in today’s competitive market.

In this article, we will outline best practices to ensure your upcoming degree captures the attention of potential employers.

Key Takeaways:

  • When adding your anticipated graduation date, include your college or university name, location (city and state), month and year of anticipated graduation, degree name, and GPA or honors.

  • Avoid fabricating your anticipated graduation date or GPA, as employers conduct background checks and will verify this information.

  • If you have little job experience, place your education section featuring your anticipated degree above your professional experience.

  • If you are an older student with relevant industry experience, position your education section below your professional experience.

How to Add Anticipated Graduation Date on Your Resume.

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How to List Your Upcoming Degree on Your Resume

Including your educational pursuits and expected completion date is vital for employers. Here’s what to include about your degree:

  • College or University Attended: Mention the institution where you are earning your degree.

  • Location (City and State): Provide the location of your educational institution.

  • Month and Year of Anticipated Completion: This may vary depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student.

  • Degree Name: Specify the degree you are pursuing, along with any minors.

  • Grade Point Average (GPA): If your GPA is 3.0 or higher, consider including it, especially if you graduated with honors such as Cum Laude or Magna Cum Laude. If your GPA is below 3.0, it’s best not to include it.

Examples of Anticipated Graduation Date

Follow this format when listing your education on your resume:

College Name
City, State
Degree (Expected Graduation Date)
GPA or Honors (if above 3.0)

  1. University of Missouri
    Columbia, Missouri
    Bachelor of Science in Business (Expected to Graduate June 2026)
    Graduating Magna Cum Laude

  2. Harvard University
    Cambridge, Massachusetts
    Bachelor of Arts in English (Expected to Graduate May 2026)
    GPA 3.8

  3. University of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Activity and Health Services
    (Expected to Graduate December 2026)
    GPA 4.0

Where to Place Your Anticipated Degree on Your Resume

Your situation will dictate where to place your anticipated degree on your resume:

  • If you are a recent graduate with little job experience: Place your education section featuring your anticipated degree above your professional experience, as your degree will carry more weight in this scenario.

  • If you are an older student with industry experience: You can position your education section below your professional experience.

Tips for Adding Your Anticipated Graduation Date

Keep the following tips in mind when including your anticipated graduation date:

  • Omit the start date: There is no need to include the start date of your education, as programs vary in length.

  • Proofread: Always proofread your resume to ensure accuracy, especially regarding your anticipated graduation date.

  • Be honest: If your graduation date has changed, reflect the most accurate timeline. There’s no rush to complete your degree, and it’s perfectly acceptable to take longer if needed.

  • Don’t falsify your GPA: Employers will verify your GPA, so only include it if it is accurate and beneficial.

  • Prioritize education: If you are still in school or have recently graduated, place your education section above your experience to highlight your qualifications.

  • Skip high school details: Once you are in college, there’s no need to include your high school graduation date.

Anticipated Graduation Date on Resume FAQ

  1. What does an anticipated graduation date mean?

    Your anticipated graduation date is the month, day, and year you are scheduled to complete your degree requirements. For most colleges and universities, it typically takes four to six years of full-time study to complete the necessary coursework. Some accelerated programs allow for degree completion in a shorter time frame. Employers seek this date to gauge your progress and availability for employment.

  2. Why shouldn’t older college graduates list a graduation date on a resume?

    While it’s not necessary to include a graduation date, older graduates may want to omit it to avoid potential age discrimination. Although age discrimination is illegal, it can still occur. Listing your graduation date can inadvertently reveal your age, which may lead employers to favor younger candidates.

  3. How long should my resume be for a new college graduate?

    For new graduates or entry-level positions, a one-page resume is recommended. If you’re struggling to condense your resume, check out these 5 easy steps to create a concise resume.

  4. Should I add an anticipated graduation date on my resume?

    Absolutely, include your anticipated graduation date if you haven’t graduated yet. This helps when applying for entry-level positions, as it demonstrates your ongoing education and gives employers an idea of your availability for work.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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