How to Avoid Online Diploma Mills
If you are considering an online education, then you need to know that not all online colleges are created equal. With any Internet-based commitments, you must be a savvy consumer—or in this case, a savvy student. Be aware of the dangers of online diploma mills and know how to avoid them.
What is a diploma mill?
A diploma mill, or degree mill, is an online college that is more concerned with taking people’s money than providing them with a quality education. Webster’s 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.”
How can you avoid online diploma mills?
- When researching online schools, make sure they are accredited by checking dependable resources, such as the U.S. Department of Education. This ensures that the online colleges you are considering have been thoroughly checked out for legitimacy.
- Do not believe it when some institutions tempt you with guarantees that you can obtain your degree faster, easier, and quicker through their programs. In any valid degree program you will have to earn your degree through hard work. Colleges that state otherwise are potential scams.
- Online diploma mills have very similar names to many larger and well known colleges.
- Visit the college’s web site and thoroughly check the details (links, registration process, etc.). If there are details that seem to be missing in comparison to other sites you’ve researched, chances are you should cross this school off your list.
- The admission process for online diploma mills is relatively simple and quick.
- The course requirements are vague, as are the course descriptions and other critical details.
- A great way to avoid online diploma mills is to really study their tuition fees schedule. Most accredited online universities will charge by the number of hours you pursue, while online diploma mills will charge based on the type of degree you would like to obtain.
- Watch out for certain language used on these sites or in advertisements for these schools. Be leery of phrases like “earn your degree in 28 days” or “earn your degree today without taking a class.” These types of pledges should alert you that this might be an online diploma mill.
All the online colleges and institutions on College Review Journal are accredited. To find out more information about any of the schools, submit the requested information and the college will send you more information about their college and programs. We encourage you to research information from different colleges in order to make the best decision you can for your education.
