After graduating high school and beginning college, you may have noticed how little you felt adequately prepared for. High school didn’t cover harnessing the motivation to get yourself out of bed and across campus on a morning downpour or how to balance writing two fifteen-page papers due on the same day. 

Still, you’ve figured it out--you got yourself to class and wrote those papers. You have your diploma to show for it. A diploma represents not only an accumulation of 120 credits and a thesis but everything you’ve learned how to do on your own. It also symbolizes the continuation of that post-high school tradition.

As we know, adulthood doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Well, neither does finding a diploma frame. More likely than not, you didn’t find one in plain sight amongst the textbooks and access codes in your school’s bookstore. 

Luckily, you have us here at OCM to act as your trusty guides on all things pre, during, and post-college--finding the diploma frame is just one of our expertise. So with that, where exactly can you find one? Keep reading to for more on:

• Picking the perfect diploma frame for your purposes
• Where you can get your hands on one
• Where to hang it once you’ve got it
  

How To Choose The Right Frame For Your Diploma

Did you know that diploma frames come in many different sizes and styles? Well, you do now. Framing your diploma is an investment and a process. We’re here to make sure you know your options so you can make a decision that feels good for your purposes and budget.

The Double Diploma Frame

Over-achievers, this one’s for you. Multiple degrees means multiple diplomas. What better way to consolidate your achievements than a frame that can house them both? Depending on your path to greatness, a double frame could seamlessly show your progression from bachelor’s to master’s. And if you’ve happened to acquire two graduate degrees, a neat display of each area of expertise. 

Another thing to consider is the economics behind your frame choice. Of course, your accolades deserve their due, but let’s be real, getting there wasn’t cheap. Generally, two separate frames cost more than a consolidated version. So when possible, why not save some cash where you can?

The Single Frame

If your high school or college student has recently graduated, a single diploma frame is a great choice. In case they couldn’t tell how proud you are by the tears at graduation, framing their degree is the perfect way to make sure they’ve got the gist. For recent grads, this is a lovely gift idea. 

And if you’re in the market for yourself, investing in a diploma frame is a reinforcement for what you’re capable of. Any academic achievement is something to be proud of--not everyone makes it through. 

In fact, lots of folks think post-college life to be far less stressful than the pressure imposed by those demanding four years. Some students are the first in their families to get there, making it all the more meaningful. For that reason, it’s worth the recognition. 

The School Logo Embossed Frame

This is a good choice for graduates who are proud of the school they came from. Whether the school you went to was your dream school or you simply had great memories there, embossed frames are a proper commemoration of your time.

Of course, there are other contexts in which going with an embossed frame would make sense. Maybe going to a particular university is a tradition in your family, or perhaps you went to an ivy league school. While not everyone will stop to read what’s on your diploma frame, they’ll certainly identify with your school if it resides in big, beautiful writing in your office.

And depending on your profession, this may be of particular significance. In law, medicine, and psychology, prestige makes you trustworthy. Because of that, it could get you ahead, both with clients and patients. If your work resides in any of these fields, you might consider going embossed--it’ll serve you well in the way of opportunity.

The Tassel Display Frame

For many recent grads, their tassels carry a significance similar to a diploma. It’s true: not everyone earns a degree, but even fewer students get to graduation with additional adornments. 

Graduating with honors, cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude, is nothing short of magnificent. And the piece of fabric that symbolizes those achievements should be held with much esteem. 

While the piece of paper you’ve earned cost a lot in capital, your tassel represents an opportunity you’ve been given and subsequently ran with. With that, it belongs in the same place. Like those who don’t have multiple degrees but still have their share of accolades, a tassel frame is the way to go. 

So Where Exactly Can You Find A Diploma Frame?

Like most things on the market, diploma frames vary in a few ways--size, price, make, etc. Depending on what you’re looking for, you might find your frame in different places. With that said, there are a few things to consider when shopping around.

What Size Is Your Diploma?

Before doing anything, we recommend looking up your diploma’s height and width. Certificates generally come in the same range of measurements. But still, it’s important to double-check on your school’s website. You wouldn’t want to receive your frame only to discover it either too big or small. Here are some standard sizes you’ll find:

• 11”x 14”
• 8 ½” x 11”
• 14” x 11”
• 12” x 15”
• 7 ½ “ x 9 ½”
• 11 ¾ x 16”

What’s Your Price Range?

Having a diploma frame is well worth the investment. With that said, budgets vary. There’s no doubt that having more flexibility in what you’re willing to spend will get you more in the way of bells and whistles on your diploma frame. 

If you don’t feel you need those things to celebrate your achievements, no sweat. There are plenty of options out there for you. All you have to do is a little searching!

Are You Looking For Something Special?

If you’re looking for a gift or are sentimental about your time at school. You might be looking for something personalized. Here at OCM, we have tons of options for that. 

As we’ve partnered with schools across the country, you can find diploma frames that show your school spirit in a way that’s decorative yet tasteful. Premeasured embossed frames are good for both single and double casings, along with those which leave room for your tassel. 

All of these are perfect for the student who knows how hard they’ve worked and feels deserving of some light fanfare through their diploma frame. 

How To Decide Where To Hang That Long-Awaited Frame 

After graduation comes the fun part--the rest of your life! College is a time that some look back on fondly while others feel relief at the finish. Either way, your time at school has shaped your career path, your inner circle, and ultimately, who you are today. 

Yes, your diploma is a piece of paper. And yet, it’s the best way to sum up everything that went into that pivotal era of your life. It should be commemorated accordingly. Here are a few things to consider when picking the perfect spot. 

What Are Your Intentions?

Setting intentions is useful in staying grounded between life stages. Whether you’ve graduated with a job lined up, a new academic endeavor, or are still figuring things out, your degree can help you access what you’re looking for. 

So ask yourself, ‘What do I want to feel when looking at my diploma?’ 

A Necessary Pick-Me-Up

If you want to feel reassured that you’ve earned your new job, consider hanging it in the office. Take a peek when you're feeling unsure of yourself. It’ll remind you of what you’ve already proven you’re capable of. 

A Reminder Of Who You Are And Where You’ve Come From

A college diploma means something different to everyone. For some, it’s a step in the ladder towards bigger and better things. For others, it’s a familial accomplishment. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may have been the first in your family to make it through college. By receiving that diploma secured inside its frame, you not only make yourself proud but your family as well--maybe even starting a new tradition of higher education achievement. In this case, the home is a natural environment for your diploma to hang. 

Regardless of what it took you to get through school, your ability to finish deserves a healthy amount of pride. You might not know where to look for the right diploma frame or where to hang it, but like most things, you don’t know until you’re led in the right direction. That’s what we here at OCM are here for! We hope this guide comes in handy.