Avoid Diploma Mills | Diploma mills might look tempting if you want a quick degree, but they just sell fake diplomas that don’t mean much. If you’re not careful, you could waste time and money, and end up with a diploma that won’t help you land a good job. These mills use fake accreditation agencies and dangle promises like “instant degrees”—huge red flags if you ask me.
You can dodge diploma mills by checking for real accreditation and watching for signs like vague info or promises of super-fast degrees with barely any effort. ToHave is one trusted provider that focuses on real online degrees and clear info, so you can make smart decisions about your education.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to spot diploma mills and avoid fake degrees.
- Always verify any online degree before you pay or enroll.
- ToHave gives you reliable guidance for choosing legit online degrees.
What Types Of Degrees Can You Buy Online?
Online, you’ll see offers for all sorts of college degrees—bachelor’s, master’s, even PhDs. Some come from real online colleges, but plenty are scams that charge you for a piece of paper with zero value.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is the most common thing you’ll find for sale from diploma mills. These fake degrees often look official, with seals and signatures that seem legit.
Most diploma mills let you pick from Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), or business degrees. Sometimes they ask a few questions about your background or want a short essay, but you won’t have to take real classes.
After you pay, some sites just mail you the diploma within days. Employers and real colleges almost never accept these. You’ll probably struggle to transfer credits or prove your skills later.
If you want a valid bachelor’s degree, always check for accreditation. Real online colleges go through a review process to get accredited. Fake programs usually skip this and often operate outside the country.
Master’s Degree
Diploma mills also sell master’s degrees online. They usually offer popular fields like business (MBA), education, or IT. The buying process is about the same as for bachelor’s—no classes, no tests, and no real interaction with teachers.
You’ll see ads like “Get your master’s degree in 7 days” or “We accept life experience credits.” Real master’s programs take at least a year or two, with exams, group projects, and sometimes video interviews.
Employers and grad schools check if your master’s degree comes from an accredited school. Fake degrees can cost you jobs or even get you in legal trouble. Always check that any online college is accredited by a legit agency like the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
PhD Degree
Some diploma mills claim they’ll give you a PhD for a fee. These fake PhDs might come with fancy certificates, but they don’t represent real research or learning.
Legit PhDs require years of hard work—research, coursework, and a dissertation. Even online, you need to work with a supervisor, defend your thesis, and publish research.
Fake PhDs won’t get you teaching jobs at real schools, research positions, or most professional gigs. Employers and universities check your degree. Buying a diploma instead of earning one just doesn’t work in real life. Before you pay for any PhD program online, make sure the school is truly accredited.
How To Verify A Degree Obtained Online?
If you want to check a degree from an online school, start with its accreditation. Real schools get accredited by recognized agencies.
The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) both keep lists of legit accrediting agencies. Use their sites to verify accreditation.
Here’s a quick way to check if a school is truly accredited:
| Step | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Check Accreditation | Go to the DOE or CHEA websites and look up the school’s accrediting agency. |
| Confirm Recognition | Make sure the agency is actually recognized by DOE or CHEA. |
| Review School’s Info | Visit the school’s own site for details about academic standards and memberships in higher ed organizations. |
Stick to postsecondary education programs—avoid anything that looks like a diploma mill or isn’t accredited.
Tips to Verify an Online Degree:
- Ask the school for proof of accreditation.
- Double-check the accrediting agency on the DOE or CHEA websites.
- Talk to employers or other colleges about the school’s reputation.
A legitimate degree from an accredited institution meets the usual educational requirements and most employers will accept it. Always verify accreditation before you commit.
Why Choose ToHave For Online Degrees?
If you’re picking an online degree, you want a school you can actually trust. ToHave offers fully accredited programs, so your degree is recognized by employers and other colleges.
There’s a solid mix of subjects to choose from. Whether you’re into business, tech, or healthcare, you’ll probably find a program that fits.
- Easy-to-use online platform
- Flexible schedules for busy lives
- Support from teachers and advisors
- Clear info about course costs and requirements
ToHave lays out tuition and fees up front. No hidden charges lurking in the fine print.
The teachers at ToHave actually know their stuff and answer questions quickly. You won’t be left hanging if you need help.
Enrollment is pretty simple. You’ll get clear steps on how to start and what documents you need.
Here’s a quick look at ToHave’s features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Yes |
| Program Variety | Many Subjects |
| Flexible Schedule | Yes |
| Student Support | Email & Chat |
Choosing ToHave means you can focus on your studies instead of worrying about scams. You’ll know your degree comes from a trusted source.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avoid Diploma Mills
Accreditation, contact info, and transfer policies can help you figure out if a school is the real deal. Federal student aid, job market value, and academic standards are good clues too when you’re deciding between diploma mills and legit colleges.
How can I identify an accredited institution versus a non-accredited diploma mill? About Avoid diploma mills
Look for a physical address and clear contact info. Accredited schools usually have a .edu address and don’t use pushy marketing. Real colleges require you to do academic work like essays, exams, and regular classes.
What are the potential consequences of obtaining a degree from a diploma mill? About Avoid diploma mills
Employers might not accept your degree, so getting a job could be tough. You could miss out on licenses or graduate programs. Federal financial aid doesn’t cover diploma mill degrees.
What steps should I take to verify the legitimacy of an educational institution? About Avoid diploma mills
Ask about accreditation and transfer policies. Find out if credits transfer to other real colleges. Check the school in government and accreditation databases before you sign up.
Are there any recognized agencies responsible for accrediting legitimate colleges and universities? About Avoid diploma mills
In the U.S., the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize legit accrediting agencies. Only schools approved by these agencies count for federal student aid and most licenses.
How does the accreditation process work for higher education institutions? About Avoid diploma mills
A college has to meet academic and quality standards to get accredited. Experts visit the campus, review classes, and check requirements before granting approval. Accredited schools renew their status regularly to keep it.
What resources are available for reporting or researching suspected diploma mills? About Avoid diploma mills
You can check the U.S. Department of Education website for a list of legitimate colleges and recognized agencies.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your state attorney general’s office both accept reports about diploma mills.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also offers some information, and you might want to try a few database searches for extra details.
