When Should You Include Your GPA on Your Resume?

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In the right situations, your GPA can be a valuable addition to your resume. However, including it isn’t always a good idea. Read on to learn when, where, and how to put your GPA on your resume.

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When to include your GPA on your resume

Here are some situations we recommend including your GPA on your resume:

1. If you’re still in high school or college

For current high school or college students, including your GPA on your resume can be beneficial. It demonstrates your academic performance and can be particularly useful when applying for internships, part-time jobs, or entry-level positions.

Your GPA serves as a measure of your dedication and ability to succeed in an academic setting, which immediately communicates to employers that you have the commitment needed to excel in the role you’re applying for.

Only include your GPA on your resume if it’s 3.5 or above. Anything lower than that won’t work in your favor.

2. If you’re a recent graduate

If you’re writing a resume as a recent college graduate, your GPA is relevant unless you already have substantial work experience to highlight.

A strong GPA can help compensate for limited professional experience because it gives employers a better sense of your:

Work ethic
Productivity
Time management skills
Ability to juggle competing priorities

3. If a company asks for it

Some companies, particularly those in competitive industries or those hiring for specialized roles, may explicitly request GPA information in their job postings.

You should always put your GPA on your resume if an employer asks for it or if it’s required in the job listing.

If you don’t include your GPA in this situation, it might seem like you have difficulty following instructions, which could hurt your chances of landing the job.

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When not to include your GPA on your resume

There are two situations when you should not include your GPA on your resume:

If you have work experience

As you gain more professional experience, your GPA becomes less relevant to employers.

Generally, after you’ve been in the workforce for 2-3 years you should focus on your professional achievements and skills rather than your GPA.

If your GPA is lower than 3.5

Below average GPA? It’s best to leave it off your resume and bring attention to other notable achievements like projects, awards, or relevant coursework that demonstrate your skills and potential instead.

Where to put your GPA on your resume

Your GPA should be listed in the education section of your resume. Place it immediately under your degree information, like this:

To highlight a particularly strong GPA, you can also include it in your resume objective. This is often the first thing employers read, so you’ll be starting your resume off strong.

How to put your GPA on your resume

Here’s how to effectively present your GPA on your resume:

Remember to include the total possible scale (e.g., /4.0) to provide context, as grading systems often vary between universities.

Use your major GPA (if your overall GPA is lower)

If the GPA for your major is higher than your overall GPA, put that on your resume instead. Just be sure to make the distinction clear by listing it as your “major GPA.” This is especially effective if your major is directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.

If you’re putting a double major on your resume, listing the GPA for the most relevant course for the job is acceptable if it’s higher than your cumulative GPA — but make sure you clarify it’s not your cumulative GPA.

Pair it with other academic accomplishments

To provide a more comprehensive view of your academic achievements, consider pairing your GPA with other accomplishments. This might include awards, relevant coursework, projects, or latin honors like cum laude on your resume.

Place these under your education section below your GPA, college name, and degree.

Don’t lie about your GPA

Always avoid lying about your GPA on your resume. Many employers verify academic information, and dishonesty can lead to serious consequences, including withdrawal of job offers or termination if it’s discovered later. However, it’s fine to truncate GPAs with three decimal points (e.g., 3.443 becomes 3.44).

If your GPA is low and the employer hasn’t specifically requested it, just leave it out. Ultimately, it’s never worth the risk of lying on your resume.