Man Pays $300 to Get Diploma Framed, Not Prepared for What He Receives

The unexpected result one man received after paying to get his diploma framed has gone viral on TikTok.

A message overlaid on the video shared by TikToker @majedsin read: "Took my diploma to get framed and this is what I got back weeks later."

The footage showed an envelope with a sticker label at its center and a "do not bend" stamp on its top left corner being placed on a table. The same envelope is later seen inside a glass frame, as the video ends.

A caption shared with the clip reads: "$300 frame and my envelope looking nice. #txst #college #graduation2023."

According to the post, the video was taken at Texas State University. The clip has received 4.1 million views since it was first shared back in late September.

@majedsin

$300 frame and my envelope looking nice 🥵🫢 #txst #college #graduation2023

♬ JG WENTWORTH - Zack

The post came at a time when Americans are reported to have mixed feelings about the value of a college degree and other forms of higher education.

While many college graduates see their educational experience in a positive light overall, only 16 percent of Americans believe that "a four-year degree prepares students very well for a well-paying job in today's economy," according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.

More than half (62 percent) of college graduates with two- or four-year degrees said their degree was very useful for "helping them grow personally and intellectually." About half said it was "very useful" for opening up job opportunities (53 percent) or providing them with useful job-related skills and knowledge (49 percent), the survey found.

Around 12 percent said that a two-year associate degree "prepares students very well," while 26 percent believed that certification programs in a professional, technical or vocational field does the same.

Several TikTok users were amused by the latest viral clip.

Hector said: "When it's your job to frame and not to open envelopes. In my opinion that's quality customer service."

Tyicus suggested "should hang that in your office. it's a conversation starter and a funny story all in one."

Strawberry Loofah said: "Please leave it like this!! It's so funny."

User @soggy.bog.witch wrote: "don't you DARE change it. this is art."

User @k.veyah noted: "As a framer this is literally so funny bless."

User gray wrote: "i'm a framer and i literally don't know how this could happen but also i get it."

Do you have a similar funny video or story to share? Let us know via life@newsweek.com and your story could be featured on Newsweek.

Worker standing in photo frame store counter.
A stock image of a worker standing at the counter of picture frame shop. A video of a customer who got an unexpected result after paying $300 to have his diploma framed has gone viral... iStock / Getty Images Plus

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Soo Kim is a Newsweek reporter based in London, U.K. She covers various lifestyle stories, specializing in travel and health. 

Soo ... Read more

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go
Newsweek cover
  • Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
  • Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
  • Comment on articles
  • Newsweek app updates on-the-go