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How Employers Use the National Student Clearinghouse for Degree Verification
The National Student Clearinghouse is a nonprofit educational verification hub covering 3,600+ institutions representing 97% of U.S. postsecondary enrollment. Employers rely on this centralized database to verify candidate degrees and enrollment records during hiring processes, helping reduce resume fraud and ensure credential accuracy.
Key Takeaways
- NSC maintains records for 3,600+ institutions covering 97% of U.S. postsecondary enrollment
- Employers can verify degrees directly through NSC or via integrated background screening platforms
- Verification turnaround varies: 24-48 hours for direct NSC requests, a few business days via integrated screening platforms
- FCRA compliance required when using educational verification for employment decisions
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Get StartedWhat Is the National Student Clearinghouse?
Founded in 1993, this organization serves as a centralized educational data repository offering services including DegreeVerify, EnrollmentVerify, and transcript ordering. The network covers 97% of postsecondary students nationwide, making it the most comprehensive degree verification resource available. Given that over 50% of job applicants admit to lying on resumes, with inflated skills and credentials topping the list, employers increasingly depend on education verification services to catch degree misrepresentation.
How Employers Use NSC for Degree Verification
HR teams have two primary verification options. Direct verification requires creating an NSC employer account, submitting verification requests, and receiving automated responses within 24-48 hours. Alternatively, background screening platforms like GoodHire bundle NSC verification with criminal checks and employment history for streamlined hiring workflows.
| Verification Method | Turnaround Time | Cost Structure | Additional Checks | FCRA Compliance Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct NSC Verification | 24-48 hours | Per-verification fee | Degree only | Manual | Low-volume hiring |
| Integrated Background Screening (e.g., GoodHire) | A few business days | Bundled pricing | Criminal, employment, education | Automated | Comprehensive screening |
Typical use cases include pre-employment screening, credential verification for regulated industries, and academic position hiring.
From Checkr research
Credential fraud, by the numbers
From recent surveys by Checkr, GoodHire’s parent company:
- 34%of HR leaders at organizations with 1,000+ employees report encountering resume or credential fabrication
- 29%of HR leaders at organizations with 1,000+ employees report encountering document fraud, such as falsified degrees, certifications, licenses or work history
- 53%of HR leaders at organizations with 1,000+ employees say they wish their background check program cross-verified candidate claims, such as work history and credentials, against trusted records, which it currently does not
Sources: Checkr, The 2026 State of Screening Compliance Report (survey of 2,500 HR leaders at organizations with 1,000+ employees); Unlocking HR’s Strategic Potential With Better Verifications (2026 survey of 1,000 senior HR leaders at organizations with 1,000+ employees).
Streamline Degree Verification With Integrated Background Checks
Rather than managing NSC verification separately from criminal and employment checks, explore GoodHire’s integrated background screening platform that bundles educational verification with comprehensive pre-employment checks and automated FCRA compliance support.
Compliance Requirements for HR Teams
When using educational verification for employment decisions, FCRA requirements mandate specific disclosures and candidate authorization. Employers must provide clear written notice before obtaining background screening reports and secure written consent. If discrepancies arise, adverse action procedures require notifying candidates and allowing time to dispute findings. Background screening platforms handle these compliance steps automatically, while direct NSC verification requires manual FCRA adherence.
Simplify FCRA Compliance for Educational Verification
Navigating disclosure requirements, candidate authorization, and adverse action procedures manually adds complexity to your hiring process. See how GoodHire automates FCRA compliance while delivering 90% of criminal checks in under 1 minute, backed by US-based FCRA-certified support specialists.
Best Practices for Employers
- Verify all claimed degrees, not just the highest credential
- Check institutional accreditation to identify diploma mills
- Apply consistent verification policies across all candidates
- Consider integrated platforms for efficiency and built-in compliance support
For comprehensive background screening that includes degree verification alongside criminal and employment checks, Get Started with GoodHire’s FCRA-compliant platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the National Student Clearinghouse do?
The National Student Clearinghouse serves as a centralized educational data repository that enables employers, institutions, and students to verify degrees, enrollment status, and academic credentials across 3,600+ participating colleges and universities representing 97% of U.S. postsecondary enrollment.
How long does National Student Clearinghouse verification take?
Automated degree verification requests through the clearinghouse typically process within 24-48 hours, though turnaround times may vary depending on whether the institution participates in electronic data exchange or requires manual confirmation.
Is the National Student Clearinghouse free for employers?
Employers pay a per-verification fee when using NSC’s DegreeVerify service directly, though costs vary based on volume and whether verification is bundled through integrated background screening platforms that offer package pricing.
Can I download transcripts from the National Student Clearinghouse?
Yes, students can order and download official transcripts through the clearinghouse’s transcript service by accessing the Download Center link provided in the confirmation email sent after placing an order.
Disclaimer
The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.
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Get StartedAbout the Author
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Tiffany Conaway covers Checkr’s verification and drug testing offerings, along with occupational health screening, post-hire monitoring, and the candidate experience. Her work helps employers build compliant, candidate-friendly screening programs.