10 Warning Signs of a Scam Online Degree Program

How to Spot a Scam Online Degree Program: 10 Warning Signs

February 14, 2023 - The rise of online learning options has made it easier for students to earn a degree from the comfort of their own home. However, with this convenience comes the risk of falling prey to unscrupulous online programs that promise a legitimate education but deliver nothing but empty promises. In this blog post, we'll highlight 10 warning signs that an online degree program may be a scam, so you can make an informed decision about your education.

No Accreditation Status Accreditation is one of the key indicators of the quality of an online degree program. Make sure to research the accreditation status of any online program you're considering. Check if the program is listed on the database of your state's licensing and authorization body, and verify its accreditation by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Additionally, if you plan to enter a field that requires a license to practice, make sure the program has been reviewed and approved by the licensing board entity in the state where you plan to work.
Suspicious Web Address A legitimate online college or university should have a web address that ends in .edu. Be wary of pages with other domain extensions, and check to make sure a school's post or profile page links back to an .edu domain.
Lack of Information on Academic Quality In addition to accreditation, you should be able to find information about the academic quality of an online program. This includes information about the number of faculty members, their experience and expertise, and the full curriculum. If you can't find this information, it's a red flag that the program may not be legitimate.
No Administrative or Student Services Online programs should have an administrative level of operation, including a stable office and a staff. They should also provide resources to students, such as technology support, academic advising, and library services. If you don't see evidence of these resources or if you can't speak to staff members other than your instructors, it's a sign that the program may not be legitimate.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics Beware of high-pressure sales pitches from recruiters. If someone tries to give you a sense of urgency and makes you feel like you need to enroll right away, it's a red flag that the program may not be legitimate.
Guaranteed Outcomes Avoid online programs that overpromise results, such as guaranteed employment or a specific salary upon graduation. If a program claims you can earn a degree or credential without much time or effort, it's a red flag that the program may not be legitimate.
Nondescript Fees Signs of a shady online operation include demanding money up front or asking students to pay fees with generic names, such as "service fee," without providing information about the services provided.
No Information on Transferability of Credits A legitimate online program should provide information about the transferability of credits to other institutions. If this information is not readily available, it's a red flag that the program may not be legitimate.
Unrealistic Claims Beware of online programs that make unrealistic claims, such as guaranteeing a certain salary upon graduation. These claims are often too good to be true and should be approached with caution.
No Physical Presence A legitimate online program should have a physical presence, such as a physical office, rather than just a mailbox. If you can't find evidence of a physical presence, it's a sign that the program may not be legitimate.

When considering an online degree program, it is important to be cautious and take the time to research and verify the legitimacy of the program. By looking for the warning signs discussed in this article, such as a lack of accreditation status, red flags in the program's web address, limited information about academic quality, pressure to enroll, and promises of guaranteed outcomes, you can help protect yourself from falling prey to a scam online degree program.

Additionally, if you have any doubts or concerns about an online program, it may be a good idea to consult with an education lawyer. EducationLawyers.com can provide you with the guidance and legal representation you need to make informed decisions about your education. With their help, you can ensure that your online degree program is legitimate, credible, and will help you achieve your goals and aspirations.

Montgomery LawFebruary 14, 2023Comment