I am graduating this semester, and I am unsure how to handle what name to get on the diploma. I have not legally changed it yet, but I plan on it as soon as its something I can afford. Should i have them put the name I go by on it? is it not a good idea to have a different name before i have it changed in case something happens and I cant? Does it matter if my legal name is different than the one on the diploma for a while? 

Typically, they will use your full legal name as it appears on their transcript. Once you change your name, you can get a new diploma issued.

I think I paid around $40 for each of my diplomas to be reissued after I changed my name. For me, I had to request my transcript be updated (free) then the diploma change.

If your names do not match it will cause employment problems. It is best to have the name on your diploma changed after you legally change your name.

I'd contact the school for guidance, especially if money is tight, as you suggest.  They should be able to suggest the most cost effective way of handling the situation based on their policies.

Quote from: kaya91 on August 22, 2018, 05:26:35 PM
I am graduating this semester, and I am unsure how to handle what name to get on the diploma. I have not legally changed it yet, but I plan on it as soon as its something I can afford. Should i have them put the name I go by on it? is it not a good idea to have a different name before i have it changed in case something happens and I cant? Does it matter if my legal name is different than the one on the diploma for a while?

@kaya91
I was able to change my legal name of all of my diplomas....  it was not that difficult and did not take very long to do it... I had my new diplomas within 2 weeks.

And, yes, it is very important to change the name to your new legal name... less problems in the future when applying or jobs and such.  Changing now is easier than doing it much later.
Danielle

Thank you for the responses. I am just applying to graduate now and they have a choice to put a different name on it when you apply. I didn't know you could have it changed in the future after you graduate, and I contacted the school to make sure I can but they are impossible to get ahold of. I will use my current legal name and have it changed later if its an option.

Quote from: kaya91 on August 23, 2018, 12:31:04 PM
Thank you for the responses. I am just applying to graduate now and they have a choice to put a different name on it when you apply. I didn't know you could have it changed in the future after you graduate, and I contacted the school to make sure I can but they are impossible to get ahold of. I will use my current legal name and have it changed later if its an option.

@kaya91
You are making the correct decision, until you finally change your legal name, always use your current legal name, otherwise you are asking for more problems.
Danielle