A college diploma isn’t just a piece of paper--it’s so much more. It alludes to the essays, cram sessions, sleepless nights, and countless memories. It represents the last few years of your life--years you’ve tested your mental and intellectual capabilities. And still, with all of that pressure, you came out the other side. 

On graduation day, students shake the hands of a dean they don’t know while being handed a rolled-up slip of paper. The funny thing is, while one would assume that paper is a degree, it’s actually a blank sheet. 

The practice might seem strange, but when you think about it, it makes sense. Even though most colleges and universities split up their ceremonies by major, chances are, there are still hundreds of students lining up for their moment of recognition on stage. With the number of graduates present, there’s likely to be a name mixup or two when handing off degrees. 

So though the wait might feel a bit anticlimactic, you’ll have something to look forward to. Just imagine the feeling you’ll get when you receive that special piece of paper with your name in the mail. It is, of course, what you’ve been working so hard for. 

And suppose you’ve decided to go the ambitious route, tackling two areas of study. Or perhaps, you have just finished getting your master’s degree. In that case, you have that much more to be proud of. You shouldn’t be afraid to show it! Keep reading for more on:

• Why you should hang up your degrees
• Why you should keep them together
• Where you might consider putting them
  

Why You Shouldn’t Hesitate To Put Your Degrees On Display

They Tell A Worthwhile Story

We all think of college as a prescription--four years and of students will go out into the world, where they’ll be met with job offers in their chosen field. And while that sounds lovely, it isn’t always the case. That’s not to say it doesn’t ever happen--it does. But still, that version simplifies what it may have taken to get there. 

Maybe it took you a bit longer than four years to graduate. Perhaps you’re the first member of your family to make it through. Or maybe, after what feels like a lifetime of writing, your graduate or post-grad dissertation has been accepted. 

Hanging up your degrees, even if only you can see them, honors what it took to get through your studies. 

Not Everyone Has Them

Even though it may sometimes feel like everyone continues their education after high school, college isn’t for everyone. And while there’s no shortage of valid reasons a person may decide to forego the experience, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it can require some mental and emotional fortitude,   

According to some recent data, 40% of college students who enroll do not finish. Of that group, 30% left school before beginning their sophomore year. 

To go through such a trying curriculum more than once, well, that’s certainly not something to be shy about! 

It Could Help You Get Ahead

In the same vein that a college degree is a symbol of notable achievement, it also has real value to future employers.

A 2019 statistical study that focuses on adults aged 25-34 places those with a bachelor’s degree or higher as having an 87% higher chance of employment than those who haven’t obtained either diploma.   

Hang it up where someone can see it! You never know what sort of career-related convos it may start. 

Why Your Degrees Are Better Off Together

It’ll Keep Them Safe

There’s no way of getting around it--you paid for those sheets of paper in more ways than one. With that, it’s essential to keep them in the best possible condition.  And while it may seem safe to leave them in the same envelope they came in, they are more likely to get bent up, damaged, or collect dust than keep their original form.

If you’ve received more than one degree, investing in a frame will not only keep them looking like new but will keep them organized too. Sounds worth it, right?

They’ll Command Respect

We all know the phrase, “two is better than one.” And when it comes to educational milestones, that idiom certainly fits the bill. Wherever you decide to display your diplomas, they’ll probably make more of a statement if they’re placed together--both to you and whoever has the pleasure of seeing them. If you’ve gotten your degrees from the same school, that’s all the more reason to keep them compact, possibly with your school’s inscription.

Whether you want to create a space for your high school diploma and bachelor’s degree or undergraduate/grad combo, it makes sense to have an area dedicated to education. They’ll undoubtedly make an impression, that way. 

It’ll Inspire You

Whether you’re currently looking for work or feel like you’re in a rut, we could all use some encouragement. It’s always nice to get affirmation from external sources, like professors and supervisors. Still, we can’t rely on such praise continually. Sometimes, we have to be our own vote of confidence--a useful skill to have. 

Hanging up your diplomas in the same place is a perfect way to remind yourself of what you’re made of. Suppose you’ve earned enough degrees to fit inside a double diploma frame. In that case, chances are, you’re more than capable of achieving whatever you have your sights set on. But if you forget, just look at the wall!

Pro tip: organize your degrees inside the frame by most recent achievement. That way, you’ll have a clear view of your compounding, successful journey!

Figuring Out The Perfect Place To Hang Your Double-Diploma Frame

Ask Yourself: Why Do You Want To Display Your Degrees?

You have your diplomas framed and ready to go. That’s a great first step! Now where to put them? Well, that depends. Ask yourself this--what made you want to put them up in the first place? 

Was it because your education means a lot to your family history? Or maybe to honor how hard you’ve worked to reach those academic milestones? 

These questions may feel like a lot of mental work to decide where to hang a couple of diplomas, but it’s important to reflect on what your achievements mean to you. Those physical representations of them deserve some reflection!

Your bedroom

This is for the student who only seeks to do it for themselves. Maybe you’re not the kind who needs others to “oh” and “ah” at your hard work--there’s nothing wrong with that. In this case, hanging your double diploma frame in your most sacred space could be a meaningful way to give yourself a pat on the back after a long day. 

Or, if you ever need a reminder of how much you’re capable of, coming home to a physical representation of how far you’ve come will definitely do the trick.

In Your Family Home

Though students are ultimately responsible for getting themselves to the academic finish line, they likely couldn’t get there without the help of their support systems. 

Paying for tutors, SAT prep, school, and sometimes more makes it impossible not to see it all as a joint effort. 

And depending on the circumstances, graduating from college, let alone with two degrees, can be deeply meaningful to the graduate’s family. If that’s the case for you, you might consider gifting your family or support system with your diplomas in a beautiful, cohesive framed display. 

In Your Office

Depending on your occupation, having your degrees available for everyone to see can do a lot for your work environment. 

It makes sense to have the accomplishments that enabled you to get an office within your workspace. It serves as validation that you’ve earned your place--in case you needed some.

Additionally, depending on your occupation, having degrees hanging on the wall makes others believe in your abilities. This is especially true for those in caring fields--doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc. For those with these occupations, having proof of educational accolades will likely put patients and clients more at ease--even if they don’t say it out loud. 

The same goes for those who have committed their lives to academia. Having multiple degrees is part of the game. And the more you have, the more respected you’ll be. Of course, there are different schools of thought on this issue. But generally, one might be surprised not to find elegantly framed diplomas in their professor’s office. 

Regardless of where you decide to place your diplomas, there’s no doubt that they’ll get noticed when placed in a double diploma frame. If you’re looking for the perfect way to give yourself or your loved one the recognition they deserve, consider investing in the perfect display case. It’s something that’ll be meaningful for years on end.