Online degree programs are an option in an emerging trend for those interested in adding credentials and qualifications to their resumes. In 2006 more than three million students were enrolled in at least one online course. It is estimated that in 2008 one in 10 college students will be enrolled in an online university.Although an online education can be convenient and popular, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Mississippi warns that some can also be a source of fraud and frustration.
“What used to be a small-time ‘mom-and-pop’ fraud is now a professional criminal operation,” says Bill Moak, President/CEO of the BBB Mississippi . “There are now more than 400 diploma mills and 300 counterfeit diploma web sites doing business of more than $500 million annually. Many of these fraudulent web sites portray beautiful, picturesque campuses with many students when, in reality, the degree diplomas are possibly printed in someone’s basement.”
The BBB reminds prospective online students to watch for the following signs that the could actually be dealing with a diploma mill:
- Little or no work is required to be completed in order to receive a degree.
- Special pricing is offered to those receiving more than one degree at a time (such as combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees).
- The name of the degree program is very similar to the name of a well-known, prestigious college or university.
- Administration building addresses include P.O. boxes or suites.
- Pricing is stated per degree instead of per credit hour.
The most important step in choosing an online degree program is to make sure that the college or university is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation boards. The
U S Dept. of Education maintains a data base of accredited post-secondary schools at www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation.
