Quick answer: You can list an unfinished degree on your resume as long as you don't imply you graduated. Include the school name, the program you studied, and either the years you attended or the number of credits completed (for example, "Coursework toward a BS in Business Administration, 2019 – 2021" or "Completed 75 of 120 credits"). If you're still enrolled, use "Expected [Month Year]." Add relevant coursework, GPA, or honors if they help. Leave an unfinished degree off if it's unrelated to the job and you have stronger experience to show.
Life happens. Maybe you left college for a job, a family situation, finances, health, or simply realized it wasn't the right path at the time. Millions of people have some college but no degree, and many of them have great careers.
The question is how to show that education on your resume without overstating it or underselling it. This guide gives you examples for every situation.
Should You Put an Unfinished Degree on Your Resume?
Include it if:
- The coursework is relevant to the job
- You completed a significant portion of the degree
- You're still enrolled or plan to return
- It helps fill a gap in your timeline
- The job requires some college or specific courses
Leave it off if:
- It's unrelated and you have plenty of relevant experience
- You attended very briefly (a semester or less) and it adds little
- It would take space from stronger content
The Golden Rule: Don't Imply You Graduated
Never list just the degree name and a date, like "Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2020," if you didn't finish. Employers often verify education during background checks, and misrepresenting a degree can cost you an offer or even a job later. See is it illegal to lie on a resume.
Instead, use clear wording: "Coursework toward," "Credits completed," "Attended," or "Expected."
Unfinished Degree on Resume: Examples
Example 1: Currently enrolled (degree in progress)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL | Expected May 2027
GPA: 3.6 | Relevant coursework: Anatomy, Pharmacology, Adult Health
Example 2: Paused studies, planning to return
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (in progress, studies paused)
Arizona State University | 2021 – 2023 | 60 credits completed
Example 3: Credits completed toward a degree
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Completed 90 of 180 credits toward a BA in Communications | 2018 – 2020
Example 4: Coursework toward a degree
Coursework toward a BS in Computer Science
Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA | 2019 – 2021
Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Databases
Example 5: Years attended only (unrelated major)
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH | 2015 – 2017
Studied Biology
Example 6: Unfinished master's degree
Master of Business Administration (coursework completed: 30 of 48 credits)
Boston University, Questrom School of Business | 2022 – 2024
Example 7: Unfinished degree plus certification
Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, 2025
University of Texas at Austin | Coursework in Economics and Statistics, 2017 – 2019
Certifications can strengthen an education section when your degree is incomplete. See certifications on a resume.
What to Add to Make an Unfinished Degree Stronger
- Relevant coursework: shows specific knowledge. See relevant coursework on a resume
- GPA: if 3.5 or higher. See GPA on a resume
- Honors, scholarships, or awards
- Projects or research from your studies. See projects on a resume
- Minor or concentration (if completed coursework). See how to list a minor
- Certifications earned since
Where to Put an Unfinished Degree on Your Resume
- Experienced professionals: at the bottom, in the education section, after experience and skills
- Students and early-career candidates: near the top, especially if still enrolled
- Career changers: after a skills or qualifications section if the coursework supports the new field
How to Handle "Degree Required" Job Postings
Many employers are dropping degree requirements in favor of skills. If a posting says a degree is "preferred," apply anyway. If it says "required":
- Emphasize equivalent experience: years in the field, results, and responsibilities
- Highlight certifications and training
- Use your cover letter to briefly address it and focus on what you bring
- Check if "or equivalent experience" is mentioned. It often is
See is a college degree worth it.
How to Explain an Unfinished Degree in an Interview
Keep it brief, honest, and positive. Focus on what you did next:
"I completed two years of a business degree at ASU, then took a full-time role at a startup that was growing fast. I learned a lot on the job, earned my HubSpot and Google Analytics certifications, and I'm considering finishing my degree online."
Avoid over-explaining or sounding apologetic. Many successful professionals have unfinished degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a degree I didn't finish on my resume?
Yes, as long as you make it clear you didn't graduate. Use "Coursework toward," "Credits completed," "Attended," or "Expected [date]."
How do I list some college on my resume?
List the school, years attended, and what you studied, such as "Studied Business Administration, 2018 – 2020," plus credits or coursework if relevant.
Should I list an unfinished degree if it's unrelated?
Usually only if you have little other education or experience, or if it fills a gap. Otherwise, you can leave it off.
Will employers check if I finished my degree?
Many do during background checks. That's why accurate wording matters.
How do I list a degree I'm currently working on?
Write the degree, school, and "Expected [Month Year]." See how to list a degree on a resume.
Present Your Education Honestly and Confidently
Our Resume Builder helps you format education in progress, unfinished degrees, and certifications correctly, so your strengths come through without overstating anything.