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Highlights 

1. Including your expected graduation date shows you're actively working toward a degree.
2. It helps meet job and internship education requirements, making you a stronger candidate as you approach graduation.
3. Graduation dates are crucial for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to confirm eligibility for educational qualifications.
4. Listing your graduation date can boost job opportunities and earnings, with higher pay for those nearing completion.

You've spent much time perfecting your resume to show off your skills and experience. However, one detail can be tricky: "How to mention year of graduation in resume. It may seem minor, but it can make a big difference based on your career stage and the job you're applying for.

Should you add it? Leave it out? Or what if you're still in school? No need to worry. In this guide, we'll cover how do you write your graduation year and when it's best to include it. Plus, you'll get tips and examples to use as you create your resume.

Why Include Your Expected Graduation Date on a Resume?

Now, the first question that comes to your mind is should I put expected graduation date on resume. The answer is Yes! Following are the benefits of showing your graduation date:

Shows Progress Toward a Degree

Your expected graduation date tells employers you’re actively working toward a degree. This can be a plus if the job requires a degree, but you haven’t graduated yet. It also shows you’re capable of sticking with a long-term goal.

Meets Job and Internship Requirements

Many jobs and internships have specific education requirements. For example, some internships ask that you finish at least your first year of college. Including your expected graduation date helps employers see that you meet these requirements and may even make you a stronger candidate if you’re close to finishing your degree.

Shows Your Commitment to Education

Listing your graduation date shows hiring managers that you’re serious about your field of study and future career. If you’re in a program related to the job, this can signal that you’re likely to stay with the company long-term. It also helps them know when you’ll be ready for full-time unique job opportunities.

Helps with ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Many companies use automated systems to screen resumes. These systems often look for a graduation date to check if you meet the job’s educational requirements. Correctly including your graduation date can help your resume get past these filters.

Opens Up More Job Opportunities and Boosts Earnings

Being close to graduation can qualify you for more jobs and potentially higher pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with a bachelor’s degree earn about $1170 weekly on average compared to those with only a high school diploma. This number goes up even more for those with a master’s degree.

How To Show Graduation Date On Resume?

Here are 4 ways to list your degree and graduation year on your resume. Make sure the format matches the rest of your resume and fits smoothly into the education section. Following are the 3 best examples of how do you write your graduation year depending on the style of your resume:

Basic Format

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of California, Los Angeles

Graduated: May 20XX

Education Section Format

Bachelor of Science in Marketing

University of California, Los Angeles | May 20XX

With GPA (for recent grads)

Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of California, Los Angeles

GPA: 3.8, Graduated May 20XX

Expanded Format with Degree Details

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, University of California, Los Angeles

Major: Digital Marketing

GPA: 3.8

Graduated: May 20XX

Tips for Calculating Your Expected Graduation Date

If you're unsure about your graduation date, here’s a simple guide to help you figure it out:

Check Your Academic Credits

Review your university’s requirements to determine how many credits you need to graduate. Compare that with the number of credits you’ve already earned.

Review Your Class Schedule

Estimate how many credits or classes you can take each semester or quarter. This will give you an idea of how long it will take to finish the remaining credits.

Account for GPA Requirements

If you need to maintain a certain GPA or qualify for honors, this could affect how many classes you take and how long it takes to graduate. Also, be ready for the possibility of needing extra time to meet these goals.

Consult Your Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor can give personalized advice based on your progress, course load, and program requirements. They can help you set a realistic graduation timeline.

Use our free online resume builder to make ATS-friendly resumes for your next job.

What’s the Difference Between Graduation Date and the Date Conferred?

When listing your graduation year on a resume, you might come across the terms "graduation date" and "date conferred." While they’re related, they have different meanings.

1. Graduation Date: This is the day you complete your degree requirements and participate in the graduation ceremony.
2. Date Conferred: This is the official date your degree is awarded by the school, which could be weeks or months after your graduation ceremony.

For most resumes, the graduation date is the one you’ll want to use. However, if an employer asks for your "date conferred," confirm this date with your school.

Do You Put Dates Of Graduation On Your CV?

Yes, including the graduation date on your CV is common, especially if it's recent. It helps employers understand your education timeline and check your level of experience. 

You should typically include the degree earned, the institution, and the graduation year. If your graduation was more than a few years ago, you may choose to omit the date, especially if you have more relevant work experience to showcase instead.

Should I Put My High School On My Resume?

It depends on your experience and the stage of your career:

1. If you're early in your career or have limited professional experience, including high school, it can be a good way to showcase your education. This can be especially useful if you graduated recently or had notable achievements (such as honors, sports involvement, or leadership roles).
2. If you have significant work experience or have completed higher education (such as college or university), you generally don't need to include your high school. Employers will focus on your recent qualifications, and listing your high school might take up space that could be better used for more relevant details.

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Summary 

Knowing how to mention year of graduation in resume is essential for showcasing your academic progress and meeting job requirements. Make sure to use the appropriate format that aligns with your resume style to ensure clarity and professionalism. Remember, including this detail helps employers gauge your readiness and prepares you for future career success.