A diploma mill (or degree mill) is a dubious provider of education that offers certificates, diplomas, and degrees that are considered bogus and/or of questionable quality.  Diplomas or degrees offered by “mills” do not meet the standards required for such qualifications.  In many cases degrees can be bought for a stated sum of money, without attendance at classes.

Some questions that will help persons make a determination as to whether a degree provider is a “mill” are:

• Is there a claim of accreditation when there is no evidence of this status?
• Is there a claim of accreditation from a questionable accrediting organisation?
• Does the entity have the authority to operate?
• Is a very short period of time required to earn a degree?
• Are degrees based mainly on experience and resume review?
• Does the entity have a name similar to another well-known, legitimate college or university (e.g. Oxford International University)?
• Does the operation make claims in its publications, for which there is no evidence?
• Are fees relatively low, and seemingly unrelated to the true cost of providing legitimate education?
• If in doubt about the legitimacy of an institution, check with the University Council of Jamaica.