To put a high school diploma on your resume, list it under the Education section. Include the full name of your high school, its city and state, and your graduation date (or expected graduation year). Write the degree as “High School Diploma” or “General Education Diploma” if applicable. This simple format helps employers quickly see your education level.
Where to Place Your High School Diploma on a Resume
The Education section is the standard place for your high school diploma. If you are a current student or a recent graduate, put this section right after your contact information. If you have work experience, place Education after your job history.
For most job seekers, the Education section goes near the bottom of the resume. But if you have little or no work experience, moving Education higher can show your qualifications.
How to Format Your High School Education
Format your high school entry the same way you would list a college degree. Use a clear structure with the school name, location, diploma type, and date. Below is a standard example:
| Field | What to Write |
|---|---|
| School Name | Springfield High School |
| Location | Springfield, IL |
| Diploma | High School Diploma |
| Graduation Date | June 2026 |
If you are still in high school, write “Expected June 2027” or whatever your planned graduation month and year are. This shows employers you are on track to finish.
Example Entries for Different Situations
Here are three common ways to list high school education on a resume:
- Graduated: Springfield High School, Springfield, IL – High School Diploma, June 2026
- GED: GED Certificate, State of Illinois, Issued March 2025
- Still in school: Springfield High School, Springfield, IL – High School Diploma (expected June 2027)
When to Include High School Details (and When to Leave Them Out)
There is no strict rule, but here are guidelines as of July 2026. Include your high school diploma if you are a recent graduate (within the past 3 to 5 years) or if you have no college degree. If you earned a college degree, you can usually skip the high school entry to save space.
Also include high school if the job requires a high school diploma or if you want to highlight honors or a specialized program. For jobs in healthcare, trades, or entry-level positions, listing high school is expected.
Leave out high school if you have several years of professional experience or if you hold an associate or bachelor’s degree. In those cases, the college credential is more relevant.
Tips for Recent High School Graduates
If you just finished high school, your Education section is your strongest asset. Follow these tips to make it work for you:
- Include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. Some employers like to see strong grades.
- Add relevant coursework, such as computer science, business math, or foreign language classes.
- Mention any awards, clubs, or sports that show leadership or teamwork.
- Keep the listing honest. Never claim a diploma you have not earned yet.
What If You Didn’t Graduate? (GED or Still in School)
If you earned a GED, list it exactly as you would a high school diploma. Write “General Education Diploma (GED)” and the date and state where you earned it. This is equivalent to a high school diploma for most employers.
If you are currently enrolled in high school and have not yet graduated, write the expected graduation date. You can also list the name of the school and your current grade level if you prefer.
Never lie about your education. Employers may verify your diploma or degree. Being honest protects your job prospects and reputation.
Practical Summary
Listing your high school diploma on a resume is straightforward: put it in the Education section, include school name, location, diploma type, and graduation date. If you have a college degree, you can usually drop the high school entry. If you are still in school or have a GED, format the information the same way. Keep the entry brief and truthful to make a strong impression on hiring managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include my high school diploma if I have a college degree?
No, once you have a college degree you can usually omit high school to keep your resume focused and brief.
Should I put my high school GPA on my resume?
Only include your high school GPA if it is 3.0 or higher and you are a recent graduate with little work experience.
How do I list my high school diploma if I am still in school?
Write the school name, location, degree as “High School Diploma” and then “Expected June [graduation year]” to show your current status.
What if I have a GED instead of a high school diploma?
Treat it like a diploma: list “General Education Diploma (GED)” with the state and year you earned it.
Where do I put high school on a resume if I have no work experience?
Place the Education section near the top of your resume, just below your contact information and objective statement if you have one.
