How Do Employers Verify College Degrees Before Making a Hire?

Fake degrees, often from diploma mills or unaccredited institutions, are everywhere. These organisations award degrees based on “life experience” or minimal coursework, so it’s easy for people to claim unearned education. One infamous example is Chester the dog, who was awarded an MBA from a known diploma mill for a fee. While this may sound ridiculous, it highlights how easily fake degrees can slip into professional resumes. Unsuspecting employers may encounter fraudulent credentials, especially when diploma mills offer verification services that look legit at first.

Not all employers thoroughly verify educational credentials. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that only about 34% of employers always check the degrees on resumes. That leaves a significant portion of job applicants’ credentials unverified. When employers verify degrees, they typically only check attendance dates or graduation status, which may not confirm whether the institution is accredited. Without proper verification, individuals with fake degrees can slip through the hiring process undetected, potentially harming the company’s reputation and operations.

Hiring someone with a fake degree is more than just a bad hire; it’s a serious issue. Companies may face serious consequences, including reputational damage, legal exposure and wasted resources. If an employee’s credentials are found to be fraudulent, especially in fields that require public trust or specialised expertise, it can lead to a public relations crisis. Employers may also incur financial losses through tuition reimbursement programs if an employee claims a fake degree as a legitimate educational expense. The cost of replacing such employees is a key reason why degree verification is important.