How Can I Get College Transcripts Online For Free?

Getting college transcripts online for free is the same as going to snatch a goat from a lion’s mouth. Moreover, we have had testimonies of students who have gone through the processes successfully. We have this post to give you their hacks to getting a free transcript online.

Honestly, after reading this article, it will blow your mind on how to get your transcripts from college online for free.

Actually, when students finish college, they normally get copies of their college transcripts. However, they usually get college transcripts online to apply for admission to universities.

Although, some of the students use it to apply for a job after graduation that needs transcripts. Besides, some jobs can require someone to get his/her transcript for a possible promotion. Honestly, how to obtain college transcripts online for free is simple.

However, you can call your school and ask for it or order them online for free through your school’s website. You can as well, use a third-party website to have unofficial or official transcripts sent to you or sent to the institution of your choice.

Table of contents

What is a college transcript?

In fact, this is an official copy of your permanent academic record and it includes courses taken, dates of attendance, major, type of degree awarded, your cumulative grade point average (GPA), and all honors received at the school.

What’s in a College Transcript? 

A college transcript is a detailed record of your previous schoolwork. It includes: 

  • A list of all classes you’ve taken. Depending on your school’s policies for dropping classes, it may also list classes you enrolled in but didn’t complete. 
  • The scores you received for all classes. Most transcripts include a number and letter grade. 
  • A list of dates attended and majors. The transcript will also list the dates during which you took certain classes. 
  • Grade point average. The transcript may also list your GPA as of your last semester of enrollment, or itemize a GPA for each semester. 
  • Student information. Depending on the information your school gathers, the transcript may also list your full name, date of birth, and student identification number. 
  • Other institutions. The transcript may list other schools you attended, as well as transfer credits you received from those schools. 
  • Official documentation. An official transcript also contains a seal, signature, or other official documentation indicating the document came from the registrar’s office.

Unofficial transcripts are free and list the classes you’ve taken and the grades you’ve received. You usually have to pay a fee for official transcripts, which come directly from your school’s registrar. Most schools will not let you enroll without an official transcript.

How do I get my college transcripts for free online?

However, you can get your college transcripts through so many websites. Although, the best way is to contact your college. Alternatively, you can just contact someone in the college to tell you about the steps involved.

In fact, this should be done to prevent any embarrassment. Though, most of these colleges always need an appointment or a pass while getting past the security. But, if you cannot do this, you can still get it from home.

In fact, check and see if your previous college has a way to order your transcripts online. For viewing and printing your unofficial transcript, just take these steps below:

  • Log in to your MyCCRI account and click on the For Students tab.
  • On the left-hand side, under Academic Profile, click the Transcript link.
  • Click on Submit.
  • Scroll down through your transcript to view.
  • To print your unofficial transcript, click on File in the browser menu and then select Print Preview.

For official college transcripts, the following steps should be taken:

  • Log in to Clearinghouse’s secure website. The NSC site includes info about placing your order, including delivery options and fees. You can order as many transcripts as you like in a single session.  You will need either your social security number or your student ID number (you cannot use your StarID on the Clearinghouse site).
  • Consent to Release form is required and must be returned to the Clearinghouse before orders are processed and credit cards are charged. To ensure privacy and to comply with federal regulations governing educational records, you must show yourself.
  • If you choose to print the consent form you may mail, fax, or email it to the Clearinghouse, the information is on the form.

Do I Need a Transcript to Apply to College? 

Students who attended college many years ago or who did not get good grades the first time may wonder whether they need a transcript. Some may even prefer to get a fresh start rather than transferring bad grades to a new school. 

The truth is that even if your grades aren’t great, you need a transcript. Even a single transfer credit can help expedite your graduation. Perhaps more importantly, most schools require you to submit all relevant transcripts. It may even be an honor code violation to exclude a school.  

What is the difference between official and unofficial transcripts?

In fact, an official transcript is one that an institution confirms with a seal or stamp put in a sealed envelope. However, this is to make sure that the transcript can’t be photocopied. Also, someone like an admissions counselor has to check the transcript after it has been mailed from the original location to the new location. If the seal is broken by the time this person gets it, then it means that the transcript has likely been tampered with.

Whereas, an unofficial transcript is one that someone can just print out from a computer. It is for your own personal use if you want to look at your grades. Also, you cannot use it as part of a college or job application.

What is the need for my transcripts after graduation?

Firstly, transcripts help students who have finished high school but didn’t go to college immediately, if they decide to go back to school and apply for college. Besides, it can also be useful if you entered the workforce immediately after high school.

Secondly, people need their transcripts years after graduation so as to apply for a master’s or Ph.D. program. However, transcripts can be required when applying for a bachelor’s degree in another field of study.

Furthermore, in some cases, you may need a transcript to apply for a job in another country. Also, some government agencies need a transcript when applying for their visa.

What is the need for my transcripts before graduation?

Indeed, students need their transcripts before graduation especially when their families are moving to a different state. Thus, the student must have to transfer schools. However, the new school must get an idea of how many credits the student has already gathered.

Also, it helps to know the student’s previous standardized tests and whether or not they’re equivalent to what their new home state needs. A high school student may want his/her transcript because he/she wants to the performance and areas to improve on. Whereas, this can help when applying to the college they want.

Furthermore, a college student may need his/her transcript during transferring schools. He/she may also need it to apply for a master’s degree program immediately after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Where Can You Send A Transcript

In most cases, you cannot pick up a copy of your transcript and take it to your new university. Instead, you’ll need your old school to directly send transcripts to the new school. This process can take some time, especially if you’re seeking a transcript from a larger school or your transcripts are very old. So contact each school as early in the application process as possible. 

Most schools ask you to provide a specific address to which to send your transcript. Your new school’s registrar can provide this information. Contact them before completing a transcript request, because sending a transcript to the wrong office can delay the process or incur additional expenses.

What are the differences between a transcript and a diploma or degree?

TranscriptDiploma/Degree
This brings out all the courses taken in a high school or college together with the grades.This is earned after taking all the courses.
This is a printed piece of paper from a computer. You cannot frame it.Someone can frame it and hang on the wall because it is crafted beautifully on a special paper.
This can be gotten without having a degree yet.You cannot just get it just from having transcripts that show the classes you have taken unless you have completed all the requirements necessary.

You can also apply for 10 Possible Masters Degree Programs for B.sc. Students

Conclusion

When you complete your college degree, you may think you are done with the hallowed halls of your university’s campus. However, if you are applying for graduate schools or even certain jobs, you may need to request your official transcript from your institution.

In fact, your official transcripts can be requested in person, through the mail, or online, but they are considered confidential information. Keep in mind your official transcripts can only be released to you, or to persons you have authorized for their release.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I have issues placing an order online for my official transcript?

In case you have issues placing an order online for your official transcript, you can call Credentials Inc. at 847-716-3005 to help place your transcript request. However, an official transcript ordered online costs $12.90. Transcripts may be sent online or by U.S.A mail.

How do I add a file to my application?

Click “Add Attachment(s)” to add your transcript. Type in a description for your file (Name of Institution and academic program level (i.e., Graduate, Undergraduate) is recommended).
Click the Browse button and locate your transcript. Click upload to add the file to your application.

What are the transcripts processing processes?

24-Hour Service: This option ensures that the transcript is processed within 24-working hours of receiving the request and is either mailed via the U.S. Mail or available for pick-up during Drexel Central working hours. The fee is $20 per copy.
Standard Service: These transcripts are processed within 5 working days and are available for pick-up or can be mailed via the U.S. Mail.  The Office of the University Registrar reserves the right to change this processing time based on the volume of requests. The fee for Standard Service is $10 per copy.
Expedited Mail: The processing and delivery of the transcript is done within 24 hours. The cost of expedited mail is $45 per location and $55 for international. It is usually pay before delivery.

What happens if I owe any fee?

Please try and find out if you owe any fees to your college because it can hold your transcript for a long period of time. The moment you find out that you are owing, try and pay the fees.

Do employers ask job candidates for transcripts?

Honestly, employers usually ask job candidates for their transcripts (official or unofficial). They verify it by sending the copy of the transcript they submitted to the university for verification.

References

Recommendations

Covenant is a full-time SEO Content Developer and a Data Analyst. A versatile content writer and developer that is keen on developing web content strategy, writing sales copies, optimizing landing page conversion rate, and editing and proofreading content across several niches. The wall of kiiky.com grazes the feel of her SEO content development skills.

— Previous article

How To Become An Accredited Investor  | Ultimate Guide

Next article —

William Paterson University: Acceptance Rate, Admission, Courses, Tuition, & Aid

You May Also Like