Be cautious if an online program demands upfront payments or requests vague fees from students. It’s important to be suspicious of fees that lack specific descriptions, especially without clear information about what services they cover.
Online education provides a flexible option for students, enabling them to manage their studies alongside work and family commitments. However, the surge in online learning opportunities—partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic—makes it challenging for prospective students to differentiate between credible programs and scams.
“There are numerous online degree programs that take advantage of the uninformed, leading them to believe they are enrolling in a legitimate program with quality courses and experiences, and that their credits will transfer elsewhere,” explains Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, president of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. “This is often not true.”
Here are seven warning signs that an online program might be a scam:
- Lack of accreditation.
- Suspicious website address.
- Insufficient details about academic quality.
- Absence of administrative or student services evidence.
- Pressure to sign up.
- Unrealistic promises of outcomes.
- Lack of clarity regarding fees.
Lack of Accreditation
Experts recommend that potential students thoroughly research an online degree program’s accreditation status. Each state has an authority that validates degrees and confirms they are properly awarded, according to Leah K. Matthews, executive director of the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, a non-profit that accredits distance education institutions. For instance, someone considering an online program in Virginia should verify its listing in the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia’s database.
Additionally, it’s crucial to check if the degree program itself is accredited by a recognized body, either from the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Students aiming for careers that require licensing should ensure the program is approved by the pertinent licensing authority in their state.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of this because far too many students check off certain boxes without verifying that the program qualifies them for the licensing exam in their state,” warns Matthews. “While this may seem burdensome for students, accredited institutions should clearly disclose this information on their websites.” If necessary, students can also reach out to CHEA or DEAC and high school counselors for advice.
Suspicious Website Address
Prospective online students should check both the physical and web address of an online institution to assess its credibility. Most legitimate colleges have URLs that end in .edu, so those with different extensions should raise concerns.
Social media platforms, which schools often use for recruiting, should also direct back to an .edu domain.
“In the U.S., the .edu domain signifies legitimacy, distinguishing it from .com or .org websites,” Matthews adds. “So starting your research with the .edu domain is advisable.”
Insufficient Details About Academic Quality
Transparency regarding academic quality is essential, experts note. This includes details about faculty members—their qualifications, experience, and a comprehensive curriculum.
“Are the courses structured to enhance understanding and facilitate progression toward a degree?” questions Jackson-Hammond.
Absence of Administrative or Student Services Evidence
A credible online program should display clear administrative operations, including a stable office and staff, Jackson-Hammond states.
“It shouldn’t be a transient operation with just a mailbox as an office,” she highlights. “There must be some stability.” Quality online programs should also offer a variety of resources such as technical support, academic advising, and library services. If students cannot find evidence of these resources or can only contact their instructors, they should be cautious.
Pressure to Sign Up
Prospective students should remain alert to aggressive sales tactics from recruiters.
Signs of trouble include anyone creating an artificial sense of urgency that suggests immediate action is necessary to avoid dire consequences, explains Tonya Amankwatia, assistant vice provost for distance education and extended learning at North Carolina A&T State University.
Unrealistic Promises of Outcomes
Steer clear of online programs that guarantee outcomes, such as promises of immediate employment or high salaries after graduation. For example, be wary of ads claiming, “Earn $70,000 as a programmer after completing this boot camp or degree.”
Additionally, exercise caution if a program implies a degree or credential can be obtained with minimal effort or quickly, experts warn.
“Just because a program is fast and expensive does not necessarily mean it holds value,” Jackson-Hammond states. “Employers look for legitimacy in the credits or degrees awarded.”
Lack of Clarity Regarding Fees
Be alert to signs of a questionable online operation that demands upfront payments or vague fees. It’s wise to question any charges that have generic labels—like ‘service fee’—especially if they lack clear explanations of what those fees entail.
“Businesses aiming to simplify transactions for clients will strive for clarity,” Amankwatia notes. “If payment requires a mail-in check or complicated credit card processing without a transparent fee structure, that raises red flags.”