Warnings: The Government Warns about Fake Diplomas

Government and state agencies across the USA along with various national nonprofit organizations that coordinate accreditation activity in the United States, and various consumer protection organizations warn that with the boom of new schools and distance education programs may come certain pitfalls not always easily recognized by the unsuspecting consumer. MA of 2 years asked:

 Do the hiring folks hold it against you for attending a lousy school?
Heck yeah, because they won't HIRE you.

We are NOT accusing any brick-and-mortar, or cyber-school of being a scam, or worthless, nor will we mention any program by name, as we are in no position to do so. However, we can say with one hundred percent certainty, that in all likelihood there are scams out there!  So, do your homework before you sign up and pay up front for any program. Read Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

List of Accredited Postsecondary Educational Institutions

See postsecondary educational institutions and programs that are accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a “reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary education” within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. 
 

Is it a Scam?

Many government and consumer protection agencies state that diploma mills are a disservice to the public. Many specifically warn about diploma and accreditation mills. The U.S. Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) puts it very well: Be a smart consumer! Look before you leap.

Here is how it goes: an educated consumer will always research a school first, and employers will always make sure they recognize the schools you have listed in your resume when you apply.

• Awareness is the key! 
• Definition of a Mill
• Bogus Certificates and Degrees
  
  For a few hundred dollars even medical assistants can find gray area online medical assistant programs without any special pre-enrollment conditions.
• Avoiding Hidden Pitfalls
• On Being a Smart Consumer
  
  Being a smart consumer pays off when choosing vocational training programs especially online. Warning signs and program quality check points...