What is confirmed
- Institution attended and enrollment dates.
- Degree, diploma, or certificate awarded and the date awarded.
- Major or field of study, where the registrar reports it.
- Whether the institution is accredited — a critical check against degree mills.
Common complications
- Name changes since graduation require the name used while enrolled.
- Closed or merged institutions route to a successor or state archive.
- International institutions often need a translated transcript and add several days.
- Registrars close over holidays and between terms.
Frequently asked
Do employers really check degrees?
Frequently, especially for credentialed roles. Overstated degrees are one of the most common discrepancies found.
Can a school refuse to release information?
Dates and degrees awarded are usually directory information and are released with candidate consent. Grades generally are not.