Diploma Mills
A diploma mill is a business that presents itself as a legitimate college, university, or school in order to make money selling a degree, without the education. Diploma mills, also called degree mills, will pose as a real university and sell a varying assortment of degrees, from bachelor’s to doctoral, as well as various academic honors.
Diploma mills prey on unsuspecting individuals looking for a genuine academic program. They also service individuals who are aware of the fraudulent nature of the diploma and are primarily interested in bolstering their academic or professional resume.
Buying a degree from a diploma mill is a risky endeavor, which can lead to professional embarrassment, and it can cause you to lose your job. In some states purchasing a degree from an unlicensed institution is illegal, and consumers could even face criminal charges. When in doubt, it’s best to stay away from any questionable diploma opportunity.
How to tell if the school you’re looking at is a diploma mill?
• Program completion time is far less than it should be, often with an increased emphasis on the speed at which you will receive you diploma.
• They make disparaging comments about attending class, taking tests, or the traditional education system in general.
• Diploma mills will often have a name similar to an established college or university.
• Degree requirements are unspecified, or curriculum is lacking in description.
• No accreditation, or accreditation from an unrecognized accrediting body. Make sure to look up the accrediting institution from a reputable source.
• Tuition and fees are paid as a whole per degree, not by semester or course. You are offered the option to pay for academic honors.
• Materials are vague, poorly written, or contain grammatical or spelling errors.
• No direct contact (email, phone, chat) with faculty or representative.
Protecting Yourself and Your Education
When selecting your school, make sure to do your research. An education is an investment in your future, and your future earning potential. When you are taking out loans or however you are paying for school, you need to insure that you will get what you pay for. Make sure to ask questions, and get actual answers that resolve your questions.
Find a program that fits your needs, and can back up their education with the support you need to not only get enrolled in school, but also graduate. Ask about accreditation and whether you can transfer credits if you choose to at a later date. Request materials in writing and read through the materials.