What Is Proof of Enrollment? How to Verify Proof of Enrollment in College

If you're a college student, there may be situations where you need to prove that you're enrolled. While it may seem like a transcript or a student email address should be enough, a third party may require an official document from your college or university. 

As a result, understanding how to show proof of enrollment in college is important. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Proof of Enrollment?

Proof of enrollment is an official document provided by a college or university that proves your enrollment status. Depending on the school and the type of enrollment verification you need, it may show any of the following information:

• Your name
• Past, current and future terms you're enrolled
• The start and end dates of the term
• Your enrollment status: full-time, half-time or less than half-time
• Your expected graduation date
• Your class level (i.e., freshman, sophomore, junior or senior)
• Your current major of study
• Number of credit hours you've earned
• Your cumulative grade point average

Check with your school's registrar to find out what information is included when you request proof of enrollment. 

It's important to note that proof of enrollment is different from your college transcript. Your transcript is a complete record of your academic record with an educational institution. It's generally required if you're transferring to a different school or if you're applying for a graduate program.

This is because schools want to determine whether you're eligible for enrollment, and just knowing you've been enrolled in the past isn't enough for that.

Why Would I Need to Prove that I'm Enrolled?

There are several situations where it may be necessary to provide official documentation that you're enrolled in college. Examples include:

• Private student loans: The federal government doesn't need proof of enrollment because your school's financial aid office handles your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) once you submit it. But if you're applying for private student loans, you generally need to provide proof of enrollment.
• Scholarships: If you're applying for private scholarships — that's scholarships offered by private organizations and not your college or university — you may need to prove that you're enrolled in school in order to receive the funds. The same goes for grants offered by private organizations.
• Loan deferments: Federal student loans and some private student loans allow you to defer your monthly payments if you return to school. But you may need to prove that you're enrolled at least half-time in order to qualify for the deferment period.
• Jury duty: If you receive a summons for jury duty, it's generally mandatory. However, there are some ways to get out of it. For example, if you're a college student and performing jury duty would negatively impact your ability to attend classes and take exams, you may be excused by providing proof of enrollment.
• Car insurance: A lot of car insurance carriers offer discounts to college students. But depending on the situation, you may need to show proof of enrollment to qualify for them.
• Medical coverage: Many colleges and universities offer student health plans, but if yours doesn't, and you can't get coverage through your parents' health plan, some insurance companies offer student health insurance plans. If you want to buy a policy, though, you may need to prove your student status.
• Employment: In some cases, you may need to provide proof of enrollment in order to get a job or an internship. Check with prospective employers to determine if this is a requirement.

Regardless of your reason for needing to show proof of enrollment, check with the person or organization requesting it to see what information they need, so you can ensure a speedy process.

How to Get Proof of Enrollment

The process of requesting proof of enrollment depends on your college or university. In many cases, you can submit a request online through the school's website. But if that's not available for you, you may need to visit the registrar's office to submit your request or send it in the mail.

If you're requesting proof of enrollment online through your student account, your school may already have all the information it needs on file. However, if you're requesting it in person or via mail — or sometimes online — you may need to give the following details:

• Your full name, including prior names
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Phone number and email address
• Dates of enrollment you want to verify
• Type of verification you need
• The address or fax number where the verification should be sent
• Your signature and the request date

Alternatively, the third party requesting your proof of enrollment may be able to contact the school directly to get the information they need. 

In general, there's no fee associated with a proof of enrollment request. However, if you also need transcripts, you may need to pay a fee to obtain those documents.

Once you receive your proof of enrollment, which can take a few days in some cases, you can provide it directly to the third party that's requesting it.

The Bottom Line

There are several situations where you may need to prove that you're a college student, and while there are plenty of ways to show that, a third party may require an official document from your college or university to satisfy their requirements.

In many cases, the way to request proof of enrollment is straightforward and simple, and you can do it online. But in some situations, you may need to visit the school's registrar's office in person or even submit a request via snail mail.

Before you start the process, though, check to see if the third party can submit a request on their own and if that's something they'd be willing to do. If not, ask them exactly what information they need, so you don't have to go through the process more than once.

Once you have your proof of enrollment, share it with the third party and complete whatever process you need it for.

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Join Juno today to find out more about your options for affordable private student loans to help fund your degree.