Attending college, even without completing a degree, equips you with valuable knowledge and skills that are attractive to employers. This article will guide you on how to present this experience on your resume honestly and effectively to showcase your qualifications.
Deciding Where to Place Your Education
The placement of your education section depends on your professional profile. If you have a substantial work history relevant to the jobs you are targeting, your education section should be placed at the bottom. This allows you to lead with your most compelling qualifications.
Conversely, if you are a current student, recently left school, or have limited professional experience, positioning the education section at the top of your resume is more advantageous. This approach highlights your academic background and signals that your education is a primary qualification.
What Information to Include
Begin with the official name of the university you attended, followed by its city and state. Following the institution’s name, include the dates you were enrolled to establish a timeline for your studies.
Your major or field of study is another important piece of information. To add more substance, you can list specific coursework that is directly relevant to the job you are seeking, which helps demonstrate specialized knowledge. Stating the number of credits completed, such as “Completed 90 out of 120 credits,” can also provide context about your commitment. A grade point average (GPA) should only be included if it is strong, typically 3.5 or higher.
Formatting Examples for Different Scenarios
The way you format your partial college experience should be clear and honest, accurately reflecting your academic status. For individuals who are still actively enrolled in a program, the focus should be on the anticipated completion. This format clearly communicates your ongoing commitment to your education and provides a future date for your expected graduation.
Example for a current student:
University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Expected Graduation: May 2026
For those who are no longer enrolled and do not have immediate plans to return, the format should highlight the knowledge gained without suggesting a degree was earned. The language should be precise, focusing on the coursework completed or the program of study. This approach is transparent and avoids any potential misinterpretation by hiring managers.
Example for someone no longer enrolled:
New York University | New York, NY
Studied toward a Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Completed 75 credits, including coursework in Public Relations, Media Law, and Digital Marketing
Key Things to Avoid
When listing partial college experience, it is important to maintain honesty and professionalism. Never lie or use language that implies you earned a degree if you did not. Misrepresentation can be discovered during a background check and will likely remove you from consideration for the role.
Avoid using negative or colloquial terms such as “college dropout.” Instead, use neutral and positive phrasing that focuses on the experience you did gain. Do not include a graduation date if you are no longer enrolled and do not plan to finish the degree, as this can be misleading. Be specific about what you studied rather than using vague descriptions, allowing employers to see the value in your academic background.