The advent of the internet has caused an evolution in education in this country.  In the last five years, we have enjoyed an explosion of online learning institutions.  These are  dramatically different  from the days of one teacher in a one-room schoolhouse.  Today, student learning is no longer confined to a physical space. Computers and the Internet have broken through school walls, giving students greater opportunities to personalize their education, access distant resources, receive extra help or more-challenging assignments, and engage in learning in new and unique ways.

However, with innovation, comes aggravation.  We have all seen the ads as we check our e-mail in the morning.  “Get your diploma in 7 days!”.   Anyone who knows anything about online education understands that this merely a scam from a diploma mill.  Simply put, not every “institution” is what it appears to be. In order for you to become a smart consumer, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of accreditation in the United States and how it works, the difference between accredited or unaccredited institutions, and the pitfalls of enrolling in a “diploma mill.”

Today there are tools available to consumers in order to help combat the problem of diploma mills and provide more information for parents and students when selecting postsecondary institutions.

Many people do not know that the U.S. Department of Education has published the “positive list” of schools that are accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the Secretary of Education. The list can be found at http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation.

This is a list of postsecondary institutions and programs that have chosen to be accredited by accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. One of the reasons that institutions seek accreditation is so that their students are eligible to receive federal student aid or other federal benefits.  Keep in mind, the “positive list” is simply one source of information; just because an institution does not appear on the list, does not mean they are a diploma mill.  The Department of Education recommends that you consult other sources if an institution does not appear on the positive list.

So, what exactly is a diploma mill?

The Higher Education Opportunity Act defines a diploma mill as follows:

DIPLOMA MILL- The term `diploma mill’ means an entity that–
(A)(i) offers, for a fee, degrees, diplomas, or certificates, that may be used to represent to the general public that the individual possessing such a degree, diploma, or certificate has completed a program of postsecondary education or training; and (ii) requires such individual to complete little or no education or coursework to obtain such degree, diploma, or certificate; and
(B) lacks accreditation by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized as an accrediting agency or association of institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in section 102) by–
(i) the Secretary pursuant to subpart 2 of part H of title IV; or (ii) a Federal agency, State government, or other organization or association that recognizes accrediting agencies or associations.

Webster’s Third New International Dictionary defines a diploma mill as:

An institution of higher education operating without supervision of a state or professional agency and granting diplomas which are either fraudulent or because of the lack of proper standards worthless. – Webster’s Third New International Dictionary

In sum, a Diploma mill is a schools that is more interested in taking your money than providing you with a quality education.

According to the Better Business Bureau a savvy consumer should look for the following red flags when considering whether or not to enroll in a school:

• Degrees that can be earned in less time than at an accredited postsecondary institution, an example would be earning a Bachelor’s degree in a few months.
• A list of accrediting agencies that sounds a little too impressive. Often, these schools will list accreditation by organizations that are not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (the two reputable organizations that recognize accrediting agencies). These schools will also imply official approval by mentioning state registration or licensing.
• Offers that place unrealistic emphasis on offering college credits for lifetime or real world experience.
• Tuition paid on a per-degree basis, or discounts for enrolling in multiple degree programs. Accredited institutions charge by credit hours, course, or semester.
• Little or no interaction with professors.
• Names that are similar to well known reputable universities.
• Addresses that are box numbers or suites. That campus may very well be a mail drop box or someone’s attic.

Use common sense: Does the “school” you are seeking offer little, if any, academic work in order to earn a degree?   Generally speaking, if  a degree requires “no work”, chances are, the degree has “no value”.

There are many great online schools out there offering amazing opportunities for education continuation, associates, bachelors, masters and advanced degrees.  Click here to view schools recommended by www.GetADegree.com.

If you still have doubts, contact your Better Business Bureau or state attorney general’s office to make sure the school is operating legally in a state and to see if anyone has filed a complaint.

Remember: A bogus degree from a diploma mill is not likely to impress prospective employers and could be a complete waste of money. Today many employers are requiring degrees from legitimately accredited institutions. Federal agencies are being directed by the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to verify the legitimacy of an applicant’s degree(s). According to OPM, “there is no place in Federal employment for degrees or credentials from diploma mills.”