Frequently Asked Questions about Diploma Mills

What is a diploma mill?

A “diploma mill” or “degree mill” is generally defined as a substandard or fraudulent college that provides degrees to students who do little or no college-level work.  Some diploma mills are outright frauds, sending a diploma to any applicant who pays a fee. Others may require applicants to take a few classes or document their work or life experience for credit.  

How can you tell the difference between a diploma mill and a legitimate college?

Spotting diploma mills can be difficult. Below are 10 warning signs. If you see two or more of these warning signs, you may be dealing with a diploma mill.

1. You can earn degrees in significantly less time than at a traditional college or university.
2. The college places a heavy emphasis on offering college credits for life experience. 
3. The college sends you a diploma if you pay a fee.
4. The college lets you “buy” a grade point average and academic honors. 
5. The college charges tuition by the degree, or offers discounts if you enroll in multiple degree programs. (Traditional colleges generally charge by the credit hour, course, or semester, although some vocational schools charge tuition per program.)
6. The college’s address is a post office box or suite number.   
7. The college’s Web site does not include information that a traditional college Web site might include, such as a mission statement, course requirements for specific programs, library resources, and faculty information.
8. The college provides only vague information about its faculty or has no faculty, only “evaluators,” “mentors” or “counselors.”   
9. The college claims to be accredited by an association that either does not exist or is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.     
10. The name of a college is similar to a well-known and well-respected college.

How can I determine if a college is a diploma mill?

If you have concerns about a particular college, we encourage you to do your homework before you send money or enroll.  

Step 1:  Determine if the college is operating legally in Washington
The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board maintains a list of colleges and universities that operate legally in the state. The college may be a diploma mill if it is not included in this list. Review the Board’s list of degree-granting colleges in Washington. 

Step 2:  Determine if the college is “accredited” by a recognized accrediting association
First, ask if the college is “accredited” and if so, the name of the accrediting association. Second, determine if the accrediting association is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Finally, confirm with the accrediting association that the college is accredited as claimed. A college may be a diploma mill if it is not accredited or if it is accredited by an association that is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Review the U.S. Department of Education’s lists of recognized accrediting associations.

Step 3:  Talk with working professionals
Contact professionals working in your chosen field to see how they would view a degree from the college you are considering.

Step 4:  Call or email us
If the college claims to operate in Washington State, please contact the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board by email or at (360) 753-7869.

If the college is operating outside Washington, contact the Better Business Bureau and the higher education agency or attorney general’s office in the state where it is located. Check to make sure that the college is operating legally and ask if anyone has filed a complaint.

Are all unaccredited colleges diploma mills?

No, not all unaccredited colleges are diploma mills. Some unaccredited colleges require legitimate academic work. In general, colleges must operate for at least two years before they can apply for accreditation. Learn more about accreditation.  

Additional Resources

U.S. Department of Education
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Better Business Bureau
Oregon Student Assistance Commission

Articles about Diploma Mills

Council on Higher Education Accreditation - Information concerning Degree and Accreditation Mills

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Alert - Diploma Mills: Degrees of Deception

Federal Trade Commission Employer Alert - Avoiding Employee Fake Degree Incidents

U.S. GAO's Investigation into Diploma Mills

For more information, contact:
Degree Authorization staff
Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board
917 Lakeridge Way
P.O. Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98504-3430
Phone:  360.753-7869