I graduated from college vs I've graduated from college

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I graduated from college" is written in the simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past. "I've graduated from college" is written in the present perfect tense, emphasizing the relevance of graduating to the present moment.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 18, 2025 • 5586 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I graduated from college"

This phrase is used to indicate that the action of graduating from college happened in the past.

Examples:

I graduated from college last year.
She graduated from college with honors.
They graduated from college together.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sep 14, 2010 ... Likewise, your graduation statement also needs a prepositional phrase: “I graduated from college.” Another way to think about it is to swap out ...
May 1, 2014 ... Is it correct say I graduated college in May, or must one say I graduated from college in May? While 'I graduated college' is commonly heard, ...
Aug 12, 2015 ... ... $5,000 dollars a quarter when I finished taking classes in 2012, I estimate that I saved $15,000 in tuition by the time I graduated from college.
I Graduated From College With The Chattanooga Gunman. Photo of Scott Greer. Scott Greer · Associate Editor. 8:01 PM 07/17/2015. Pinterest. Reddit. LinkedIn.

Alternatives:

I finished college.
I completed my college education.
I obtained my degree from college.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I've graduated from college"

This phrase is used to emphasize the connection between the past action of graduating from college and the present moment.

Examples:

I've graduated from college, and now I'm looking for a job.
She's graduated from college, so she's planning to travel.
They've graduated from college, and they're starting a business.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dec 20, 2011 ... Now that I've graduated from college, should I still include jobs or activities from high school on my resume? What is the cut-off point at which ...
Marcy's Monday Minute: I've Graduated from College – Now What?? Aug 8. Posted by zuriquesocialmediamarketingcompany. Ok, you've graduated from ...
May 17, 2010 ... I've Graduated from College. Now What? Sunsetgraduation Over dinner a few weeks ago, I listened to a group of my closest friends lamenting ...
Apr 30, 2015 ... “I'm really excited for the two week gap where I've graduated from college but still I'm waiting on my high school diploma,” he said. “I also can't ...

Alternatives:

I have completed college.
I have obtained my degree from college.
I have finished my college education.

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I graduated from college vs I've graduated from college

"I graduated from college"

"I've graduated from college"

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