What Degree is High School? How to List It on a Resume (2025 Guide)
SEO Title: What Degree is High School? How to List It on a Resume (2025 Guide)
Meta Description: Confused about what degree is high school? This guide clarifies that it's a diploma, not a degree, and shows you exactly how to list it on your resume to impress recruiters and beat ATS. Get expert examples now!
Introduction
You've earned your high school diploma and you're ready to land a job. But as you build your resume, a fundamental question stops you: What is a high school diploma in the eyes of a recruiter? Is it a degree? How do you phrase it without looking unprofessional? Many job seekers stumble here, creating confusion on their resume before a hiring manager even reads about their skills.
While other guides focus only on formatting, they often miss this crucial point of terminology. This definitive guide will not only give you the correct answer to "what degree is high school" but also provide superior, actionable steps to make your education section a powerful asset on your resume.
Is a High School Diploma a Degree? The Definitive Answer
Let's be clear: a high school diploma is a credential, not an academic degree.
An academic degree (like an Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate) is a title awarded by a post-secondary institution (a college or university) upon completion of a specific course of study.
A high school diploma is an official document awarded upon completion of secondary education. It certifies that you have met the required academic standards of your high school and state. Think of it as the foundational credential that qualifies you for entry-level jobs and higher education.
Getting this distinction right is the first step to presenting yourself professionally.
How to List High School on Your Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we've clarified the terminology, here’s how to list your high school education to catch the eye of recruiters and satisfy Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to screen resumes, making proper formatting essential. Forbes Article on ATS Usage.
1. What to Include
Your education entry should be concise and clear. Include the following:
- Name of the School: Full name of your high school.
- City and State: Location of the school.
- Diploma Earned: State "High School Diploma" or "GED".
- Graduation Date: Month and year, or just the year. If you are still a student, you can write "Expected Graduation: Month, Year".
2. Where to Place It
- If you have no college experience: Place your Education section right after your contact information and resume summary/objective.
- If you have some college but no degree: Place your college information first, followed by your high school diploma.
- If you have a college degree: You can generally omit your high school information entirely.
3. Practical Examples for Any Situation
Example 1: Standard High School Diploma
Lincoln High School, San Francisco, CA High School Diploma, June 2024
Example 2: General Educational Development (GED)
The State of New York General Educational Development (GED), May 2024
Example 3: For a Current High School Student
Northwood High School, Irvine, CA Expected Graduation: June 2026
Example 4: Highlighting Academic Achievements
South Hills High School, Fort Worth, TX High School Diploma, June 2024 Honors: National Honor Society, GPA: 3.8/4.0
High School Diploma vs. GED: Comparison Table
| Feature | High School Diploma | General Educational Development (GED) |
|---|---|---|
| Awarded By | A specific high school | A state-authorized testing center |
| Represents | Completion of a 4-year curriculum | Mastery of high school-level academic skills |
| How to List | List the name of the high school | List the issuing state or authority |
Do's and Don'ts for Your Education Section
- Do: Be honest about your graduation status.
- Don't: Include your GPA unless it is 3.5 or higher.
- Do: Include academic honors or relevant coursework if they apply to the job.
- Don't: Use vague terms. Be specific: "High School Diploma" or "GED".
Beat the Bots: Optimizing for ATS
Manually formatting your resume to pass through an ATS can be frustrating. The system looks for specific keywords and a logical structure. A misplaced comma or an unusual title can get your resume rejected before a human ever sees it.
This is where JobSeekerTools can give you a decisive edge. Our advanced resume scanner analyzes your document against the specific job description you're targeting. It identifies missing keywords and formatting errors, providing you with actionable feedback to ensure your resume is optimized for both the ATS and the hiring manager.
Conclusion
While a high school diploma is not technically a "degree," it is a critical credential that proves your foundational knowledge and dedication. Listing it correctly on your resume is not just about filling space—it's about presenting yourself as a polished, professional candidate from the very first glance. By following this guide, you can be confident that your education section is clear, concise, and perfectly formatted to open the door to your next opportunity.
Visual Guides
5 Steps to Perfectly List Your High School Diploma on a Resume
This guide will walk you through the 5-step process to perfectly list your high school diploma on a resume.
- Step 1: Choose the right location. Decide where to put your education section on your resume.
- Step 2: Write the school name and location. Clearly state the name and location of your high school.
- Step 3: Add your diploma type. Specify the type of diploma you received (e.g., High School Diploma).
- Step 4: Include your graduation date. Add your graduation date (or expected graduation date).
- Step 5: Add optional honors. Include any honors or awards you received.
Infographic guide explaining how to list your high school diploma on a resume for job applications in 2025.
Resume Education: High School vs. College
A simple, shareable chart comparing when and how to list high school versus a partial or completed college degree.
| Feature | High School Diploma | College Education (Partial or Completed) |
|---|---|---|
| When to Include | Include if it's your highest level of education or you're a recent graduate. | Always include. You can omit your high school diploma if you have a college degree. |
| What to Include | School Name & Location, Diploma Type, Graduation Date. | University Name & Location, Degree (or major/field of study if incomplete), Graduation Date (or expected date). |
| Example (Completed) | Anytown High School, Anytown, USA High School Diploma, May 2023 | University of Example, Exampleville, USA Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, May 2027 |
| Example (In Progress) | N/A | University of Example, Exampleville, USA Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (In Progress) Expected Graduation: May 2027 |
Comparison chart showing when to include high school education vs. college degrees on a professional resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I'm still in high school? List your high school and include your expected graduation date. This shows employers you are on track to complete your diploma.
2. Should I include my GPA on my resume? Only include your GPA if it is 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Otherwise, it's best to leave it off.
3. Do I need to list my high school if I have a college degree? No. Once you have earned a college degree (Associate's or higher), you can remove your high school information from your resume. Your college degree becomes your most relevant and impressive educational achievement.