Online college classes are an attractive option to different student groups for various reasons–but students should know how to spot a “diploma mill,” or a school operating without the supervision of state or professional education agencies.
With more than 5.7 million students taking at least some of their higher-ed courses online, these diploma mills, or degree mills, are poised to award illegitimate degrees to unsuspecting students.
An online check by one group revealed more than 370 educational websites offering fraudulent degrees for those willing to pay.
In one instance, a man was accused of starting a fake university and doling out fake diplomas from prison for two years before he was caught.
(Next page: 7 red flags that might indicate a diploma mill)
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all) - Weak tech could push students, faculty to other institutions - April 13, 2026
- 13 predictions about edtech, innovation, and–yes–AI in 2026 - January 1, 2026
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Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland's prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Latest posts by Laura Ascione (see all)
- Weak tech could push students, faculty to other institutions - April 13, 2026
- 13 predictions about edtech, innovation, and–yes–AI in 2026 - January 1, 2026
- 5 essential dimensions of AI literacy - December 12, 2025