Want to know how to find out if someone has graduated from university? Whether it’s for hiring, networking, or partnerships, here’s how to verify if someone really earned their degree.
You may come across situations where you need to verify if someone has graduated from a university.
It could be for hiring, networking, business partnerships, or even personal reasons. Knowing how to confirm a degree helps you avoid fraud and ensures trust in professional interactions.
Some people exaggerate their qualifications to gain opportunities they haven’t earned. Understanding the right ways to check graduation status can save you time, money, and credibility.
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Official Ways to Verify Graduation
Contacting the University
The most reliable way to verify someone’s graduation status is to contact the university directly. Every university has a registrar’s office that handles student records.
You can visit their website to find contact details or an online verification request form. Some universities may require a formal request, while others may confirm basic details over the phone.
If privacy laws apply, the person in question may need to give permission before the university can release information.
If you are an employer or organization, you may need a signed release form before making a request.
Third-Party Verification Services
Companies like the National Student Clearinghouse offer degree verification services.
Many employers and institutions use these services because they provide quick and reliable results.
To use these platforms, you need details like the person’s full name, the university they attended, and their graduation year. Some services charge a fee, but they can save you time compared to contacting universities individually.
These services are widely recognized by employers, government agencies, and background check firms, making them a dependable way to confirm graduation.
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Public Records and Alumni Databases
Some universities maintain public alumni lists that showcase graduates. These lists are often available on the university’s website or through alumni associations.
You can also check state licensing boards if the person has a professional degree, such as in medicine, law, or engineering.
In some cases, professional directories will indicate where and when someone earned their degree.
Some government agencies also provide access to educational records if the person holds a public office or professional license.
Alternative Methods to Check Graduation Status
LinkedIn and Social Media
Many professionals list their education on LinkedIn. While this information is self-reported, you can check if the university is linked to their profile.
If they claim to be a graduate but have no connections with professors, classmates, or university groups, it might raise doubts.
Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter may also have graduation announcements or photos that confirm their status.
Many universities also have official LinkedIn pages where verified alumni follow or engage with posts.
Requesting a Diploma or Transcript
If you are hiring or entering a business partnership, you can ask for a copy of their diploma or transcript.
A diploma serves as proof of graduation, while a transcript provides detailed coursework and grades.
Be cautious of fake diplomas, which are easy to buy online. Official transcripts should come from the university and may have security features like seals or watermarks.
Employers and academic institutions typically request transcripts directly from the university to ensure authenticity.
Networking with Professors or Alumni
If you have connections at the university, reaching out to professors or alumni can help. They may remember the person in question and confirm their graduation.
While this method isn’t foolproof, it adds another layer of verification, especially if you’re dealing with high-stakes decisions like hiring or investments.
Many universities have alumni groups on LinkedIn and Facebook where former students engage, and asking in these groups may provide useful insights.
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Red Flags and Fake Degrees
Spotting Diploma Mills
Diploma mills are fake institutions that sell degrees without requiring coursework. If a university name sounds unfamiliar, search for it online along with terms like “accreditation” or “reviews.”
Legitimate universities have verifiable locations, faculty, and accreditation records. If the degree was obtained in an unusually short time or through minimal effort, it may be fraudulent.
Verifying Accreditation
Accreditation ensures that a university meets educational standards. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintain lists of recognized institutions.
If the university is not listed, it may not be legitimate. Checking accreditation is especially important when verifying degrees from international schools.
Checking for Consistency
Inconsistencies in a person’s resume can be a red flag. Pay attention to details like the graduation year, major, and university name.
If they list different universities on different platforms or provide vague information, they may be hiding something.
A legitimate graduate should have no problem providing consistent details.
Why It Matters for Your Career and Business
Avoiding Fraud in Hiring and Partnerships
Hiring someone with a fake degree can lead to poor performance and legal issues. Employers need to ensure candidates have the education they claim.
The same applies to business partnerships, if someone misrepresents their qualifications, it could harm your business.
Building a Strong Professional Network
Networking with real graduates can open doors to career opportunities. Knowing that someone has the credentials they claim helps build trust and meaningful connections.
Whether you’re looking for a mentor, business partner, or employee, verifying their education ensures you’re engaging with credible professionals.
Protecting Your Reputation and Investments
Trust is everything in business and professional life. Associating with someone who has faked their education can damage your reputation.
If you’re investing in someone based on their qualifications, you want to be sure they have the expertise they claim.
Taking the time to verify education helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Knowong how to find out if someone has graduated from university is an important step in many professional situations.
Whether you’re hiring, networking, or considering a partnership, checking their credentials ensures trust and credibility.
Using official sources like university records, verification services, and social media can help confirm their claims.
Paying attention to red flags like diploma mills and inconsistencies protects you from fraud. In the long run, due diligence keeps your career and business on solid ground.
Pyo Merez is a men’s lifestyle enthusiast and writer about the gentleman’s place and impact on society. Raised by a distinguished gentleman dad, he offers unique insights into how the mind of a gentleman works and how societal norms shape gentlemen’s identity and vice versa.
Through his insightful articles, Pyo taps into the depths of gentleman culture to provide perspectives on etiquette and manners in modern society.