GPA on Resume: When to Include + Examples

Key Considerations for Including Your GPA on Your Resume

Adding your GPA to your resume is advisable if you're applying for internships, graduate programs, or are relatively new to the job market. It's also appropriate if the job description specifically requests it.
If you have several years of professional experience, it's generally better to omit your GPA and instead emphasize your more recent accomplishments and work history.
Minova's AI Resume Builder can assist you in properly formatting your GPA, relevant coursework, test scores, and other academic achievements on your resume.

Do employers truly care if you include your GPA? Generally, the answer is no.

For most job applicants, a GPA listed on a resume has little to no bearing on their candidacy. However, for those just starting their careers, seeking internships, or pursuing opportunities in STEM fields, a strong GPA can be a valuable asset. Some industries even require GPA information as part of the education section of your resume.

This guide will help you determine when including your GPA is beneficial and how to format it effectively.

Need help formatting your GPA? Minova offers resources to help you create a polished resume.

When should you include your GPA? There's often conflicting advice about including your GPA on your resume. Some argue it's essential, especially early in your career. Others disagree, highlighting that GPA may not be the most relevant factor.

According to some experts, GPAs are not a critical factor. Others question the value of including it, stating that GPA primarily reflects academic performance and may not accurately predict job performance.

However, there are circumstances where including your GPA is advantageous:

GPA-Focused Industries: Your GPA is more relevant in sectors like government, education, engineering, science, and other STEM-related fields. Even then, it depends on the specific organization's policies and the role. For instance, GPA might be more important for teaching positions than IT roles within a college. Some defense contractors may require a minimum GPA for entry-level positions. Government jobs vary; some require transcripts and GPA on the resume.
Internships and Student Programs: Many long-term internship and student programs that lead to permanent positions have GPA requirements, often above 3.0. Maintaining this GPA is crucial for continued participation in the program.
Early Career: Entry-level positions are an exception. With limited work experience, employers may view your GPA as an indicator of your work ethic. They'll want to see that your GPA is respectable and meets the basic requirements for the role. However, this initial check is usually the extent of its importance.

But there are exceptions. What if your GPA isn't stellar? If you have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and are new to the workforce, including it can be beneficial. But what if it's lower?

Most hiring managers advise against including a GPA below 3.5. It's suggested to omit it unless you were near the top of your class. You can replace GPA details with technologies you're proficient in, but avoid overdoing it.

Some career experts believe including a GPA could do more harm than good. Excluding it won't necessarily break your job search, but including a lower GPA could cost you an interview. Even for early-career positions, a less-than-3.5 GPA might be a mistake. Data indicates that fewer employers are using GPA to screen recent graduates than in the past.

Employers may still ask for your GPA later in the process. By the interview stage, you should be prepared to explain any shortcomings. You can compensate for a lower GPA with strong references, a reputable school, internships, and recommendations. Internships can demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field.

Ultimately, skills are more important than grades in the corporate world. Companies prioritize achievements that demonstrate teamwork and leadership. Those who care about GPA will ask about it directly. This is why many employers use skills-based hiring, assessing candidates based on their abilities.

How to present your GPA on your resume: You've likely seen various resume templates online, but not all are ATS-friendly. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords and qualifications. Incorrect formatting can prevent the ATS from reading your resume properly.

Below, you'll find guidance on where to place your GPA and how to format your education section effectively.

Where to include your GPA: After graduating, your GPA should be in the Education section with your major and college. If you're a recent graduate, place the Education section, including GPA, at the top of your resume, below your professional statement.

How to format your GPA: The placement and format depend on whether you're a student, expecting to graduate, or already graduated. If you're still in school, include education details at the top of your resume, under your contact information and summary.

The information included varies depending on factors like:

Attending a top-tier school
Participating in a prestigious program
Having a high GPA (e.g., magna cum laude)
Receiving relevant certifications or awards

Keep the GPA simple and neat, including only essential information. If you have additional credentials, list them in this order:

Alma mater Degree Major and program GPA Credentials and awards Years of attendance

If you have notable achievements, consider including:

A fundraiser you organized A capstone project Awards you've won Elections related to the position

If you lack extensive work experience, these details can compensate. They can also offset a lower GPA when inclusion is required.

Some templates position the years of attendance and GPA on the right, separate from the education section. Avoid this, as it can affect ATS readability, preventing your resume from being properly scanned.

Keep the education section simple for easy readability by both hiring managers and ATS. Use correct punctuation. If required, include your GPA next to the university location in the education section.

If you’re new to the job market, your education section should be placed directly below your professional summary.

This format is concise, readable, and provides all necessary details.

If you have credentials or awards that enhance your GPA, especially those relevant to the position, include them as well. Listing core education details in a standard format maintains clarity, while bullet points highlight honors, projects, coursework, or awards.

To further emphasize academic achievements, feature only major ones in the Education section. Expand on projects, awards, and extracurricular activities elsewhere in your resume.

Highlighting significant achievements like valedictorian status is effective. By showcasing awards and involvement in other sections, each accomplishment gains more visibility and detail. If you have limited work experience, this approach demonstrates relevant experience through school projects and programs.

If you've struggled with creating a resume, you know how challenging it can be to start from scratch. The reformatting and rewriting can be tedious. However, Minova offers resume templates that follow best practices.

Minova's customer reviews highlight its benefits: It's a well-organized platform that helps track jobs, customize resumes, and stay updated with employment trends.

To begin, use Minova's AI Resume Builder. This tool allows you to select and deselect sections and details to tailor your resume to a specific job description. The education section is located towards the bottom of the page. Select the pencil icon to edit the fields. You'll find GPA as one of the primary fields. Enter your GPA and any other relevant details. Save the changes to apply them across all your saved resumes.

Most employers and career advisors don't prioritize overall GPAs and may advise against including them. If it's not necessary or if your GPA is low, there are alternative ways to highlight your strengths.

A strong resume summary that showcases your qualifications and skills can immediately attract recruiters. Using impactful action verbs to describe your achievements and accomplishments can also enhance your resume. Including metrics and specific results demonstrates your potential success in the role.

If you're unsure whether your resume meets ATS standards or how to make it stand out, consider using a resume template.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a GPA on a resume? A GPA represents your overall academic performance.

Should you include a weighted or unweighted GPA? Choose the higher one. However, you can omit it entirely unless requested.

Is it acceptable to round up your GPA? Rounding is acceptable to one decimal point. Larger adjustments are misleading.

Is it okay to lie about your GPA on a resume? Never lie. Falsifying information can constitute fraud and lead to dismissal if discovered.

Should I include a 3.5 GPA on my resume? If you have a 3.5 or higher and are new to the workforce, it's a good idea. However, after a few years or if your GPA is lower, it's best to leave it off.