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Browse Our List of Degree Mills & Distance Learning Accreditation Reports

attention-please-buyer-beware

Found an online college but suspicious it might be a degree mill? Not certain your school holds the distance learning accreditation needed to award university degrees in the USA? Be careful! GetEducated.com tracks more than 300 fake online colleges – also known as diploma mills. Most degree mills are accredited – but by fake or phony accreditation agencies.

Search our Diploma Mill Police list – it’s free – to see if your chosen online university has proper distance learning accreditation or has consumer fraud or scam warnings lodged against it.

Abet International University

This online college is not accredited by any agency recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation or the US Department of Education. This college is licensed to operate as an educational business in the State of Michigan.

Abet International posts a telephone contact number in Michigan (USA). No mailing address can be confirmed in the USA. No college accreditation can be confirmed to award degrees. This business has previously advertised as operating from Florida and offering cheap, fast MBA degrees.

Almeda University

This online college is not accredited by any agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation or the US Department of Education. This college is licensed to operate as an educational business in the State of Idaho.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the State’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials. (Consult: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Substandard and Fraudulent Institutions in Texas)

American Capital University (Various Locations)

There is no accreditation status for this school.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

American College of Computer and Information Sciences (AL) 

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

What does attending a non-regionally accredited college mean?

Some career paths and licensing programs require a regionally-accredited college degree.  When it comes to transfer credits and degree recognition, the general rule is that colleges with the same type of accreditation accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a non-regionally accredited college, it is likely that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your classes for transfer credit or your degree for acceptance to grad school. Depending upon your career path, attending a non-regionally accredited college could impact your future —check out what happened to Latesha Gonzalez.

This school is not recognized by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. (Consult:  Directory of Alabama Institutions).

American Global International University (FL)

There is no accreditation status for this school.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

AGIU previously operated in Hawaii and lacks accreditation by any recognized college accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

American Sentinel University (CO)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Here is the difference between a nationally accredited program and regionally accredited one:  some career paths and licensing programs may require a regionally-accredited education. In regards to transfer credits and degree recognition, the general rule is that colleges with the same type of accreditation are more likely to accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents.

Amstead University (Various Locations)

This school has no active accreditation.  It is currently not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Anaheim University (CA)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but it is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Note that there is a difference between regional and national accreditation. In regards to transfer credits and degree recognition, the general rule is that colleges with the same type of accreditation normally accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a nationally-accredited college, it is likely that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your hard work or financial investment when it comes to transfer credits or applying to graduate school.

Andrew Jackson University (AL)

This institution is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

This school is not recognized by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. (Consult:  Directory of Alabama Institutions)

Depending upon your career path, attending a non-regionally accredited college could impact your future —  just like what happened to Latesha Gonzalez.

Ashwood University (Various Locations)

Be aware — there is no accreditation status for this school.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials in the State of Texas (Consult: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Substandard and Fraudulent Institutions in Texas)

Ashwood University sells “life experience” degrees online for a few hundred dollars.

This entity should not to be confused with Ashford University of Iowa or Ashworth University of Georgia.  Both of these online universities are accredited, worthwhile institutions where you can earn an online degree.

Aspen University (CO)

This institution is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), but not regionally accredited.

Be cautious, as some career paths and licensing programs require regionally-accredited degrees. In regards to transfer credits and degree recognition, the general rule is that colleges with the same type of accreditation readily accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a nationally accredited college, it is highly probable that a regionally-accredited college will not grant you transfer credits or recognize your diploma.

Atlantic International University (HI)

This school lacks accreditation.  It is not recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation or the US Department of Education.

The State of Hawaii’s Department of Consumer Protection Services list of unaccredited degree providers classified this college as having a consumer protection suit against them in that State of Hawaii.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Barrington University (AL)

Barrington does not have any accreditation, nor is it recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials in the State of Texas.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Belford University (Various Locations)

As far as accreditation goes, Belford has none.  There are consumer warnings by the states below:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials in the State of Texas (Consult: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Substandard and Fraudulent Institutions in Texas)

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Also note, the school is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Bienville University (LA, MS)

Look before you leap! There is no accreditation affiliated with this school.  Bienville is not recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, either.  There were also consumer warnings issued:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials in the State of Texas.

Breyer State University (CA, AL)

Effective April 1 2008, the Alabama’s state department of revoked Breyer State’s business license to operate within the state.

Bronte International University (US Virgin Islands and other locations)

Pay close attention — there is no accreditation for this school.  Furthermore, it is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  A couple of states have even issued warnings for Bronte:

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

California Coast University (CA)

The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) has accredited California Coast.  Remember, this is a national accreditation and not a regional one.  So, keep in mind that there could be ramifications down the road if you intend to pursue a higher degree, transfer credits or seek licensure in a particular profession.

The general rule is that colleges with the same type of accreditation readily accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a non-regionally accredited college, it is highly probably that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your classes for transfer or your degree if you plan to attend graduate school.

California Intercontinental University (CA)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Keep in mind, if you attend a non-regionally accredited college, it is highly likely that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your classes or degree for acceptance to the university or acceptance of transfer credits.  Depending upon your career path, attending a non-regionally accredited college could impact your future — just like what happened to Michael Satz.

Cambell State University

There is no accreditation status for this school.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

This school claims to be a state university operating in the US, but there is no properly accredited entity by this name.  Cambell does not publish contact information.

Do not mistake this institution for Campbell University, a regionally accredited college located in North Carolina.

Canyon College (ID)

Canyon lacks accreditation.  States have issued consumer warnings as well:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials. (Consult: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Substandard and Fraudulent Institutions in Texas)

Cardean University (IL, NY)

This institution is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), but is not regionally accredited.

Cardean has merged operations with Ellis College of NYIT.

Central State University of New York (NY)

Be wary of this institution — it has no accreditation.  Furthermore, it is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Central State University of New York claims false accreditation as follows: “Central State University of New York is endorsed and accredited by the Distance Education Training Council (DETC) … Central State University is accredited also by the Accreditation Council for Higher Education Accreditation (ACHE). The ACHE is listed as a nationally-recognized accrediting agency in Wallis and Futuna Islands.”

While there was a previous, valid accrediting agency in the US called the DETC,  that agency is now the DEAC.  The DEAC has not accredited Central State U.  Furthermore, there is not a DETC or equivalent authority in the UK which is recognized by the USDE, either.

Central State is not a state-funded university in the US and is not accredited by any agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

Century University (NM)

Century University has no accreditation.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

The school has had consumer warnings issued in three states:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials. (Consult: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Substandard and Fraudulent Institutions in Texas).

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Chadwick University (AL)

Look out!  There is no accreditation status for this school.  Chadwick is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  However, the university is licensed to operate as an educational business in the state of Alabama.

This school is not recognized by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. (Consult:  Directory of Alabama Institutions).  Consumer warnings have been issued as follow:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials. (Consult: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Substandard and Fraudulent Institutions in Texas)

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Clayton College of Natural Health (AL)

July 2010, Clayton College announced its closure.  Alabama began requiring distance learning colleges to obtain accreditation from agencies recognized by the US Department of Education in 2008. Clayton College had a pending application for accreditation, but notified the State of Alabama that it would close rather than continue the accreditation process.

The founder of the school, Lloyd Clayton, also operated Chadwick University of Alabama.  This was also a non-accredited online college which closed in 2009, after Alabama revoked its business license.

Cleveland Institute of Electronics (OH)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

While some career paths are fine with national accreditation, others require an education from regionally accredited colleges and universities. In regards to transfer credits and degree recognition, the general rule is that colleges with like accreditation will readily accept each other’s courses and degrees. If you attend a college which is not regionally accredited, it is likely that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your coursework.  Depending upon your career path, attending a non-regionally accredited college could impact your future — just like what happened to Michael Satz.

Colton State University (Various locations)

There is no accreditation status for this school, plus it is not recognized by the US Department of Education.

You can sniff out degrees that may not be valid beyond the doors of the institution where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address most often indicates a legitimate school?

Columbia Pacific University (CA)

The entity was closed by California court order.

Columbus University (MS, LA)

This school is not accredited on any level.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

In June 2010, it was suspected that Columbus operations emanated from a prison cell, in a fraudulent scheme run by an inmate.

You can sniff out degrees that may not be valid beyond the doors of the institution where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address most often indicates a legitimate school?  If you land on a website for a school that has a .com tag, be very leery of their credibility.

Concordia College (US Virgin Islands)

This school is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  The university is licensed to operate as an educational business in the state of Alabama.

This school may not be an ideal place to invest in your education based upon previous items in the news.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Corllins University (Various Locations)

Corllins has no accreditation. It is not recognized by either the CHEA (Council on Higher Education Accreditation) or the US Department of Education.

The entity has operated under an anonymous website called Universal Degrees.  States have issued consumer warnings about Corllins in the past:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials. (Consult: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Substandard and Fraudulent Institutions in Texas)

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Divine Heart College

This institution is not accredited on any level.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Did you know that an act of Congress established .edu web addresses for reputable institutions? This, and other tips from the US Department of Education, can help you in your search for an online school to earn your degree.  Arm yourself with the facts and avoid the pitfall of a diploma mill!

Everest University (CO, FL)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS).

Some career paths and licensing programs require a regionally-accredited college degree. The rule of thumb is that colleges with the same level of accreditation readily accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a non-regionally accredited college, it is highly likely that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your classes or degree.  You could invest quite a bit, both financially and time wise, if you chose the wrong online school – just like what happened to Michael Satz.

Florida Metropolitan University (FL)

This institution is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training.  Remember, there is a vast difference in regional and national accreditation levels.

Glendale University (Various Locations)

Pay attention! This school is not accredited.  On top of that, it is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

You can sniff out degrees that may not be valid beyond the doors of the institution where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address most often indicates a legitimate school?

Golden State School of Theology (CA)

While this entity is licensed to operate as an educational business in the state of California,  it is not accredited. Furthermore, it is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Grantham University (KS)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).  This could have ramifications for transfer credits or recognition of your diploma, if you have future plans to attend a regionally accredited university – just like what happened to Michael Satz.

This entity should not to be confused with Grantham College in the United Kingdom.

Hamilton University (WY, HI, Bahamas)

Hamilton University was closed by court order in Wyoming.

The school was originally known as American State University and may have had roots in Hawaii. In 2010, the school was cited as operating out of the Bahamas.

Hamilton University should not be confused with the actual, legitimate institution of Hamilton College located in Clinton, New York.

Harrison College (IN)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS).

Harrison was previously known as the Indiana Business College.

Hartford University (MN, Various Locations)

This institution is not accredited on any level, nor is it recognized by the USDE or the CHEA. Several states have issued consumer warnings regarding the school:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Hill University (Various Locations)

Be careful, as this school is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

You can sniff out degrees that may not be valid beyond the doors of the institution where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address usually indicates a legitimate school?  An act of Congress authorized the tag, but be careful — there are still some fakes that utilize it in their web addresses.

InterAmerican University (CA, NY)

This school does not carry any level of accreditation.  Neither the Council on Higher Education Accreditation nor the USDE recognize it as a learning institution with permission to grant diplomas.

This entity should not to be confused with The InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico, a valid, accredited institution.

Three states have issued consumer notices in the past:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

ITT Technical Institute (IN, Various Locations)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS).

Kennedy Western University (WY)

This institution changed its name to Warren National University in 2006 and later ceased operations in 2009.

Kingston University (IL)

This school is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

You might be able to sniff out degrees that won’t be valid beyond the doors of the institution where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address usually indicates a legitimate school?  An act of Congress authorized the tag, but be careful — there are still some fakes that utilize it in their web addresses.  If you see an online school that uses .com rather than .edu, beware.

Lacrosse University (LA, MS)

This institution began in Louisiana and was closed by education authorities in 2002.  The school then moved to Mississippi where it was closed by the Commission on College Accreditation and no longer authorized to operate.

LaSalle University (LA)

LaSalle University was closed by court action in 2002.

Do not confuse this entity with La Salle University, a well-regarded institution of higher learning located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Lorenz University (Various Locations)

This school is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  It has no accreditation.

However, the school claims accreditation by unrecognized agencies, such as the International Accreditation Association for Online Education (IAAFOE) and the Accreditation Council for Distance Education (ACTDE).  These “accrediting” agencies do not exist nor are they recognized in the United States by the US Department of Education.

Madison University (MS)

Yet another school, here, that is not accredited.  The USDE and the CHEA do not recognize it, either.   Madison is no longer authorized to operate within the state of Mississippi.

Miami Christian University (FL)

This school is not accredited and it is not recognized by the US Department of Education.

Miami Christian University has also been known as the Miami Bible Institute. While not accredited by any recognized agency to award college degrees, the institution has been allowed to operate a post-secondary, for-profit private school the State of Florida.  A consumer warning was previously posted:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Midtown University (US and International)

Midtown University claims operations worldwide, including North and Central America.  However, the fact remains that it not accredited to award college degrees by any authority recognized by the US Department of Education.

You can likely sniff out degrees that aren’t valid beyond the doors of the institution where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address usually indicates a legitimate school?  An act of Congress authorized the tag, but be careful — there are still some degree mills that utilize it in their web addresses.

Montgomery University

Better look elsewhere!  This school is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Must University (CA)

Despite claiming worldwide offerings in education, this institution is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  In fact, states have issued warnings to consumers:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Newport University (CA)

Lookout for this school!  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and it has no accreditation.  The consumer warnings issued for others, hold true for Newport as well:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Northern Point University

Northern Point claims offerings in the US, but offers no verifiable physical location of operations within the country. However, the fact remains that it not accredited to award college degrees by any authority recognized by the US Department of Education.

Novus University (Various Locations)

It is fairly obvious that you will want to avoid this school.  It has no accreditation and consumers have been made aware of its faults:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Olford Walters University

The institution claims accreditation by an unrecognized agency, the Global Accreditation Council for Online Academia (GACOA). This “accrediting” agency is not recognized in any context, national or international, nor are they recognized by the US Department of Education.

The institution has no verifiable address in any country, despite claims of operating in six nations, including the US and UK.

As of 2012, Olford had the identical web-design template as its fictitious college accreditor.  Coincidence?!

Panworld University 

Be aware — this school is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

However, the institution claims accreditation by an unrecognized agency, the ACFOE. This “accrediting” agency is not recognized in any context, nationally or internationally.

From the institution’s website: “The degrees obtained from Panworld University are in accordance with the Accreditation Institutes with which it is affiliated. These standards do not necessarily coincide with requirements of any other Accreditation authorities (including, for example, those in the U.S., Canada, Europe, South America, or otherwise)”.  Bottom line, the school has no accreditation.

Preston University (AL)

This school is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  The institution is licensed to operate as an educational business in the state of Alabama.  Consumer warnings are as follow:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Preston relocated to Alabama 2007 when Wyoming changed laws to require accreditation. Preston has also operated from the Netherlands, known as the entity:  Fairmont International University.  Bottom line — neither Preston or Fairmont are accredited by an authority recognized by the US Department of Education.

Princely International University (NY)

Don’t pay a king’s ransom to a school that is not accredited!  This entity is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, and it is not accredited on any level.

Princely claims headquarters in Saudi Arabia, with offices in New York City to recruit American and Canadian students.  However it is not accredited to award degrees by any authority recognized by the US Department of Education.

Randford University (DC)

This school lacks accreditation.  States have made consumers aware of its short-comings:

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Redding University (ID)

This institution is not registered with the Idaho Board of Education.  It has no accreditation by a granting authority or recognition by the US Department of Education.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Richardson University (TX, WY)

This entity was closed by court order in Wyoming and is potentially operating out of the Bahamas. The institution was previously known as Hamilton College and prior to that, may have offered diplomas under American State University out of Hawaii. Hamilton was the subject of a 60 Minutes investigation. The owner, Rudy Marn, was convicted in US court and served a sentence for committing fraud.

There is no level of accreditation affiliated with Richardson and the states of Oregon, Michigan and Texas have issued consumer warnings regarding its validity.

Rise University (KY)

It is probably in your best interest to avoid this school — it is not accredited.  Furthermore, Rise is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

This institution was rumored to be operated by the same scam artists that ran schemes at Rochville University and Belford University Online. Despite claiming operations worldwide, the university has six unverifiable addresses in the US.

Rochville University (TX, WY)

This school has no accreditation.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

The entity also operates as affordabledegrees.com. Diplomas and transcripts are posted from Dubai.

True Story:  In 2009, Rochville University awarded an online MBA with honors to the Diploma Mill Police mascot, Chester Ludlow.  Chester is a pug from Vermont and obtained his fake degree for the sum of $499. While that is a cheap and unrealistic price for an MBA, that still would have bought Chester a lot of dog biscuits!

So, warning — don’t let your education go to the dogs!  Do your homework and avoid degree mills with some straight-forward tips from the US Department of Education.

Rushmore University (WY and Cayman Islands)

This school is not recognized by the US Government and has no accreditation.  Consumer warnings have been issued:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Rutherford University (WY)

Here is yet another school that is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. This institution is licensed to operate as an educational, for-profit business in the state of Wyoming.  But other states warn consumers:

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Sacramento International University (Various Locations)

This entity is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and it lacks any accreditation.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Do not confuse this entity with Sacramento State University, a fully regionally-accredited college in California.

Saint Augustine School Medical Assistants (FL, GA, British Virgin Islands)

As of 2011, Saint Augustine claimed operations in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Previously this school may have operated out of Georgia and Florida as Saint Augustin University or other name variations.

By any name, this school is not accredited and it is not recognized by the CHEA.  For students in the US, Saint Augustine claims accreditation by the National Accreditation and Certification Board.  This “board” is not recognized by the US Department of Education.

Michigan, Oregon and Texas have all issued consumer warnings regarding the validity of this school.

Saint James College (FL)

This school is not accredited.

You can sniff out degrees that may not be valid beyond the doors of this, or any other “school” where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address usually indicates a legitimate school?  An act of Congress authorized the tag. But, be careful —  there are still some diploma mills out there that still use it in their web addresses.

Saint Regis University (Various Locations)

This institution was based overseas and operated from Liberia and other possible locations. It was closed by court actions and consequently sued by the legitimate Regis University of Colorado for name infringement.

San Francisco School of Architecture (CA)

This school operates out of a PO box in Alameda, California.  Openly, it claims “to seek accreditation from a recognized agency”.  However, it lists no contingent or accreditation review by an authorized agency.  Bottom line, this institution has no accreditation, nor is it recognized by the US Department of Education.

Furthermore, the school offers online master degrees and certificates in what is referenced as “expert-accredited” green building.  But note, the school is not accredited by any recognized agency to award degrees in architecture, environmentally-friendly construction or any subject for that matter!

San Francisco International University (CA)

This school awards associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees through distance learning, but is not accredited by any agency recognized by the US Department of Education to award such diplomas.  States have issued formal warnings:

Hawaii State Warning:  The State of Hawaii’s Department of Consumer Protection Services list of unaccredited degree providers classified this college as the subject of a consumer protection lawsuit.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

San Francisco Technical University (CA)

This entity is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  It has no accreditation.

Furthermore, this institution also abides by the name of San Francisco University.  It is not accredited either.

San Francisco Technical University should not to be confused with two valid colleges in California: San Francisco State University (a public college) and the University of San Francisco (a private college).

San Francisco University (CA)

This is another name for San Francisco Technical University and is not an accredited institution. It, as well,  should not be confused with two credible colleges in California: San Francisco State University (a public college) and the University of San Francisco (a private college).

Southern California University Professional Studies (CA)

Although this entity is licensed to operate as a for-profit, educational business in the state of California, it is not accredited.  It is also not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Southwest University (LA)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

National accreditation (non-regional) can have ramifications on your ability to transfer credits or have your degree recognized by other schools and universities.  Generally, colleges with the same type of accreditation readily accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a non-regionally accredited college, it is highly likely that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your coursework.  Don’t invest in the wrong degree and impact your future–like what happened to Latesha Gonzalez.

St. Clements University (Various Locations)

Think before you enroll in this school.  It is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  States have even warned their citizens about St. Clements:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Suffield University (Various Locations)

As with the school above, Suffield is not accredited and just like a child’s toy, comes with plenty of warning labels:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Summit University/Stauron University (LA)

Summit University of Louisiana appears to be related to a newer online school, Stauron University, which claims operations out of Maine. As of October 2010, the application on the Stauron distance learning site has Summit University letterhead. Neither school is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education to operate online college degree programs.

Trinity College Natural Health (IN)

Trinity claims accreditation by the American Naturopathic Medical Accreditation Board, but this agency is not recognized by the USDE or CHEA as a valid college accrediting agency.

Some states have independently warned consumers of the school:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Trinity College Theological Seminary (IN)

Plain and simple, this school has no accreditation.

You can often sniff out degrees that may not be valid beyond the doors of this, or any other “school” where they were granted, by following some simple tips from the US Department of Education.  For instance, did you realize that a .edu web address usually indicates a legitimate school?  An act of Congress authorized the tag. But, be careful — there are still some diploma mills out there that still use it in their web addresses.

Trinity Southern University (TX)

In 2004, this institution was sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General for violation of state consumer laws.  Furthermore, the university awarded an online degree to a cat!  Trinity Southern University also operated under the name of Wesleyan International.

Under any name, this school is not accredited nor recognized by the US Department of Education.  States have forewarned consumers:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Universal Life Church (CA)

This entity is not accredited.

Universal Life Church was well known in the 1970s for ordaining conscientious objectors to the Vietnam War.  While most states recognize the distance learning ordination awards granted by this institution, being “ordained” does not add accreditation to a degree. ULC also offers a distance Doctorate of Divinity.  But, as stated above, the school is not accredited by any agency recognized by the US Department of Education to award college degrees online.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Universal of Berkley (MI, PA)

Look closely at the spelling, as this school is not accredited.  This institution claims to have been founded in Berkley, Pennsylvania by the “Society of God”.

It is not related to the prestigious Berkeley in the University of California system, by any stretch of the imagination.  This entity is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Furthermore, this institution is prohibited from engaging in business with the residents of Pennsylvania based on legal action.  Other states have released warnings as well:

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

University of Devonshire (UK)

This school is not accredited.  It is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

According to an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education, The University of Spam, Published June 25, 2004, Devonshire was one of a many scams operated by a company called University Degree Program (UDP). UDP operated a number of fictitious college websites between 1996 and 2002, selling more than 30,000 online degrees from a telephone call center in Romania. None of the UDP universities were properly accredited or chartered in the UK, the US or any other foreign country.

In November 2011, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback announced the appointment of a new statewide IT chief, Jim Mann. Mann resigned almost immediately after questions arose about his online college degree from the University of Devonshire surfaced in the press.

Devonshire has also marketed itself as Harrington University, the University of San Moritz, and the University of Palmers Green.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

University of Management & Technology (VA)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

University of New Castle (DC, UK, Ireland)

This is not an accredited institution on any level.

In 2009, the University of Newcastle was tied to a series of bogus, scamming online colleges that were operating out of a pub in Manchester England by a Pakistan ring.

In October 2010, this online college was falsely claiming “regional accreditation” in the US on their website.  There were also deceitful claims of national accreditation by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

The University of Newcastle has claimed online school operations in Ireland, UK, South Pacific, Chicago, and Washington DC over the last few years, despite any accreditation by any agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

Do not mistake this scam school for the outstanding Newcastle University located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

University of St Linus California (CA)

This school lists several “approval” and “accreditation agencies,” none of whom are recognized by CHEA or recognized by the US Department of Education.

It is not accredited, nor is it recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

US Career Institute (CO)

This institution is not regionally accredited, but is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Virginia College (AL)

This institution is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (ACICS).  It is not regionally accredited.

There is a difference between regional and national accreditation.  In regards to transfer credits and degree recognition, the general rule is that colleges with the same type of accreditation readily accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a non-regionally accredited college, it is highly likely that a regionally-accredited college will not recognize your coursework. Depending upon your career path, attending a non-regionally accredited college could impact your future – read what happened to Michael Satz.

Warren National (WY)

Warren National was previously known as Kennedy-Western University and is now closed.

In 2009, after applying for and failing to earn regional accreditation, WNU decided to cease operation.

The State of Wyoming revoked its license to operate in the Spring of 2009. In June 2009, former students filed a class-action lawsuit in Laramie, Wyoming.

Washington International University (Various Locations)

This school is not accredited and several states have warned consumers:

The State of Hawaii’s Department of Consumer Protection Services list of unaccredited degree providers classified this college as having a consumer protection suit against them in that State of Hawaii.

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Oregon State Warning: The State of Oregon listed this online college as a non-accredited degree supplier.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Wesleyan International University (TX and Various Locations)

This entity is also known as Trinity Southern University.  It is not accredited.

In 2004, this institution was sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General for violation of state consumer laws.  Furthermore, the school awarded an online degree to a cat….yes, a cat!

Michigan State Warning: The State of Michigan classified this online college as an unacceptable institution for credentialing for those seeking jobs in the state’s Department of Civil Service.

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Western Advance Central University (TX)

This school is not recognized by the US Department of Education nor the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.  It is not accredited to grant diplomas by any authority.

This entity claims to operate out of Belton, Texas, according to some information available in the press.  More information is available to consumers through the Texas Higher Education Board.

Western Valley Central University (NY)

If it sounds too good to be true – it is!  Western Valley offers life experience degrees in 15 days at all degree levels!?  The school is not accredited by any agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

Westwood College (Various Locations)

This institution is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools & Colleges (ACCSC).

Many career paths and licensing programs require a regionally-accredited college degree. In regards to transfer credits and degree recognition, the general rule is that colleges with the same type of accreditation readily accept each other’s courses and degrees as equivalents. If you attend a nationally accredited college, it is highly likely that a regionally accredited university will not recognize your classes or degree.

Wilson State University (CA)

Wilson is not accredited.

The claimed accreditor, Worldwide Higher Education Accreditation Society, is not recognized anywhere in the world as a college accrediting authority. Wilson State University is not a state supported school, despite its name. Offices have been claimed to exist in Spain. This “online college” offers life-experience degrees in 7 days. Really?!

Texas State Warning: The State of Texas classified this online college as an illegal supplier of educational credentials.

Windsor University (NV)

This school has no accreditation.

Windsor claims accreditation by the United States Distance Education & Training Council of Nevada. However, this agency is not the valid accreditor.  The Distance Education & Training Council, now known as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission which is based in Washington DC, does not list Windsor as an accredited school.

Youngsfield University (NY, UK)

Head’s up!  This school is not accredited, nor is it recognized by the US Department of Education.

Youngsfield University advertises operations in the UK (London) and in the US (New York). Don’t believe it. In fact, in January 2011 a Florida police chief was actually removed from his position upon the revelation that both of his degrees were from this unaccredited school.