Degree Mill Alert!

Be a wise consumer of higher education. Do your research before you buy. An ever-increasing number of degree mills operating in the United States and beyond will be more than happy to help you part with your education funds. Take a little time to ensure that your prospective school is a legitimate institution – or you could end up with a piece of paper that is illegal to use in North Dakota. North Dakota has new laws protecting citizens from credential fraud. In this state, only credentials from legitimate institutions are legal to use for employment, higher education admission, or in connection with a business or profession.

If you plan to live and work in North Dakota following college graduation, you will want to earn a diploma or degree from an institution accredited by an organization recognized by the US Secretary of Education. Institutions that lack such accreditation must be otherwise approved by the North Dakota Board for Career and Technical Education to be considered legitimate. For an explanation of accreditation in the United States and to determine whether the institution you are considering holds recognized accreditation, check the following website: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

For further information regarding the state’s requirements and information on false credentials, consult the Department of Career and Technical Education website: www.state.nd.us/cte.

As you explore your best opportunities for higher education, there are a few cautions to bear in mind. Many degree mills market extensively on the Internet. They may use names that sound deceptively similar to reputable schools, or state that they are accredited by a legitimate-sounding organization not recognized by the US Secretary of Education. Some degree mills go to great lengths to discount the value of accreditation or the system of accreditation used by legitimate institutions in the United States. Don’t be fooled - check it out!