Spotting Online Degree Mills and Diploma Mills
Things to Look For and Avoid
- The degree mill uses a name similar to a well-known university. Some examples of this are:
- “The University of Berkley,” which sounds like the very prestigious University of California, Berkeley
- “Columbia State University,” meant to sound like Columbia University
- “Ashwood University,” which sounds like the very reputable Ashford University
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- They emphasize how your “degree” will affect your career and income.
- They are accredited by a body that is not recognized by the CHEA or the US Department of Education. Usually, this accrediting body will be in-house.
- They emphasize the cost of the diploma or degree over all other aspects, including testing, etc.
- Their address is a PO Box, a Suite or a number only.
- They have no selectivity whatsoever when it comes to admissions.
- They list very few faculty.
- Tuition or fees are listed per degree, in a prominent page near the front of the site.
- Their website is more fluff (i.e. appeals like “no need to study, no need for entrance exams”) than real substance (i.e. details about degree requirements, course content, etc.).
- The phrase “life experience” figures prominently in their promotional materials, and they (cynically) equate this outright with formal education.
