Defining Accreditation Mills
Defining an accreditation mill and/or a diploma mill can be difficult; however, it is most important for all prospective students to research their potential school prior to enrollment. If an institution or degree seems too good to be true then it probably is. It is not uncommon for diploma mills to claim “accreditation” from an accrediting agency that is also suspect. A diploma from an institution that is “accredited” from an accreditation mill will most likely not be accepted if the graduate attempts to transfer to an institution that is accredited by a legitimate organization and employers may not accept the degree. For more information on accreditation mills, you are encouraged to go to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) Web site.
For a listing of accreditation agencies recognized by CHEA and/or USDE click here.
Reference
USDE (n.d.). Prepare for my future: Diploma mills and accreditation. Retrieved March 2, 2014 from the United States Department of Education Web site: http://www2.ed.gov/students/prep/college/diplomamills/index.html