Do Your High School Diploma or Degree Still Count After School Closes?
The short answer is yes, your high school diploma or degree is still valid if you earned it from a legitimate and accredited institution, even if the school you attended has closed down. This article delves into the validity of your education credentials after a school shut down and discusses the broader implications for further education and employment.
Validity of Educational Records
When a school shuts down, educational records become part of the larger records maintained by the state department of education. This means that your diploma and official transcripts should hold their value even if the institution no longer exists. However, the implications can vary based on the circumstances of the school's closure and the accreditation status during your enrollment period.
Accreditation and Further Education
If your school was accredited when you graduated, your diploma should be recognized by universities and colleges for further education, such as master’s degrees or doctoral programs. Despite the closure, your degree will likely be considered valid for admissions, though obtaining transcripts or confirmation of your enrollment dates might become more challenging.
Potential Issues with Unaccredited Institutions
In cases where you attended a school that was not accredited or was a so-called "diploma mill," the situation can be more complex. While some employers may still accept a degree from such an institution, highly selective employers will not consider it valid. Even if you can get hired, your record may not stack up well for advancement. Therefore, it's important to understand the accreditation status of the educational institution before enrolling.
Accessing Official Transcripts
Most universities, colleges, and high schools use third-party companies to store and send out official transcripts. These companies are typically contracted to maintain this data indefinitely, meaning that even if your original school has closed, you should still be able to obtain official transcripts. However, securing these documents might be more difficult after a school's closure.
Proactive Measures to Safeguard Your Credibility
To ensure you maintain the integrity of your educational credentials, it's highly recommended to purchase multiple official copies of your transcripts. Store them in tamper-evident, sealed envelopes and send them to your home address. Do not open these documents and include them with your important papers. This precaution can help prevent the tampering of your transcripts and maintain their validity in future scenarios.
Even if you have graduated or plan to transfer credits, consider safeguarding multiple copies of your official transcripts. Many educational institutions might rely on "sister" schools with similar accreditation to handle such transfers, and maintaining copies can help ensure a smooth process.
Conclusion
Your degree or diploma remains valid as long as your school was accredited when you earned it. While a school's closure does not necessarily reflect the quality of your education, it can pose challenges in accessing necessary documents. Taking proactive steps to safeguard your transcripts and understanding the accreditation status of your educational institution can help mitigate these challenges and ensure your credentials are recognized by future institutions and employers.