There are several different synonyms for the phrase "confers degree." One common alternative is "awards degree," which emphasizes the fact that the degree is being given as an honor or recognition of the recipient's accomplishments. Another possible synonym is "grants degree," which suggests that the degree is being given as a kind of privilege or opportunity. Other alternatives might include "bestows degree," "confirms degree," or "conveys degree." Ultimately, the choice of synonym might depend on the context in which the phrase is being used and the specific connotations or associations that the writer wants to convey.