Diploma Mills: OK or No Way?
The United States' Stance
Diploma mills are outlawed in many a country throughout the world. Somehow or another, they continue to be legal in the United States -- which is an unfortunate but real detail. Despite the fact that the government maintains a "buyer beware" stance regarding diploma mills, several consumer interest groups have vocally repudiated the mill industry and heed the American public to deny them their business.
One of these groups, the Federal Trade Commission, has provided a number of resources for students and parents to combat against diploma mills and protect themselves from their unscrupulous behavior. The best thing to do after having contended with a diploma mill is to file a formal complaint with the FTC; the Commission offers a handy video on how to do just that, right here.
Don't Get Fooled Again
As we have discussed elsewhere on this site, accreditation is an extremely important quality for your education, and you should demand that your diploma is of properly accredited status. When you encounter a diploma mill, you may be surprised to see that they do indeed boast accreditation.
After having checked on the U.S. Dept. of Education's listing, however, you should be able to see it as counterfeit. Choosing to go ahead with a diploma mill program in spite of this clear warning is not the smartest move. Not only might you not get hired for a particular job, you could potentially face prosecution for fraudulently claiming to hold an accredited degree.
Tell Tale Signs
Besides faulty accreditation, you should be armed with additional ways to spotting a diploma mill from a quality program. A big red flag should be any claim that your life's experiences are sufficient for the degree. Classes and exams are important, and must be included in your education.
Any attempt to charge a flat fee for a degree is also a surefire indicator of a diploma mill. If you run across anything guaranteeing a degree within a few days, weeks, or months, run in the other direction. You should be smart enough to avoid any university that advertises through spam or pop ups, or one that markets to you a bit aggressively.
Invite a friend or parent to evaluate a school alongside you; another set of eyes and ears can help spot unseemly features. Last but not least, employ your own intuition. Should something about the campus or its representatives not feel right, do not be afraid to let them know your concerns.
Visit the Federal Trade Commission for even more info on this topic.