Verification of high school or equivalent education

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This guide shows you how to get proof of your education — such as a high school diploma, GED, or transcript — if you don’t have it on hand.

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Why you need to provide proof of education

Federal regulations require all college students to verify that they’ve completed secondary education — such as a high school diploma, GED, or an equivalent credential.

This rule applies to all accredited institutions that participate in federal student aid programs, ensuring eligibility for financial aid and compliance with U.S. Department of Education standards.

Option 1: Contact your high school

Start by contacting your high school. The registrar’s office or main office can usually send you an official transcript or a copy of your diploma.

If your school has closed, merged, or changed its name, contact your school district office. District offices usually keep records from schools that are no longer active.

Tip: Have your full name (as it appeared when you studied there), your date of birth, and your graduation year ready before you ask.

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Option 2: Request records through an official service

If you can’t reach your school or district, use a trusted records service to get your transcript or diploma. These services safely verify your records and send them to you or straight to Maestro. Common options include Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse.

Tip: If you earned a GED, HiSET, or TASC instead of a traditional diploma, you can request your records from your state's Department of Education. If your state uses DiplomaSender.com, you can also order through that system.

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