The Name Game that Diploma Mills Play
In the chameleon-like underworld of diploma mills, anything can happen.
A diploma mill, also known as a fake degree mill, is a business operating as a school which awards college diplomas with little or no academic work. It is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or any reputable accrediting body.
Some of these elusive (and in some states illegal) non-schools are here today and gone tomorrow; while others survive after being forced out of business by resurrecting themselves, like the Phoenix, under a new name.
But diploma mill names are not usually chosen at random. Instead, they are crafted to sound like the names of reputable, accredited, legitimate colleges and universities.
For example:
- Cambridge State University is a diploma mill and should not be confused with the reputable University of Cambridge in England.
- American University of Hawaii is diploma mill; and University of Hawaii is an accredited college.
- Oxford Global University is a diploma mill; but the University of Oxford is among the oldest and best universities in the world.
- Columbia State University was a diploma mill (now shut down); but Columbia University is a top-notch university in New York.
- Ashwood University is a diploma mill; but Ashford University is an accredited online college.
So when choosing an accredited online school or traditional school, carefully check the name to make sure it is the college you think it is.
Also, employers should be careful as well in checking the credentials of their employees. Do not assume that everything is fine because the college sounds reputable. Instead, check it out.
Several states maintain a list of diploma mills, substandard and unaccredited colleges. Oregon, Texas, Michigan and Maine are just a few. But the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are two great places to start when checking out a college.
But being aware of the name game is also a great way to avoid being ensnared by diploma mills.
diploma mill, degree mill, fake college degree, college_diploma, colleges and universities
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