Beware of Fake Online High Schools and GED Programs: What You Need to Know

Choosing an online high school or GED program can offer flexibility and accessibility, but it’s essential to be cautious of “diploma mills” — unaccredited institutions offering diplomas that lack real value. These programs mislead students, charging fees for diplomas or certificates that fail to meet legitimate educational standards and are unrecognized by employers, colleges, or the military.

View our List of Scam and Diploma Mills Here:

What Are Diploma Mills?

Diploma mills are institutions that promise “fast” and “easy” degrees or diplomas, often for a single upfront fee. While they may look legitimate, they lack proper accreditation, and their diplomas typically aren’t recognized. Some diploma mills use names similar to accredited schools or claim accreditation from fake agencies to appear credible.

Notable Cases of Fraudulent Online High Schools

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against several operators of online high schools for fraudulent practices, including:

• Capitol High School and Columbia Northern High School: These schools, run by Capitol Network Distance Learning Programs, falsely claimed accreditation and misled thousands of consumers with worthless diplomas. (FTC Press Release)
• Jefferson High School Online and Enterprise High School Online: These institutions generated over $11 million by selling diplomas that didn’t meet educational or professional standards, leaving many students with unrecognized diplomas. (FTC Press Release)
• Stratford Career Institute: This school misled consumers about its high school diploma program, which failed to meet even basic educational requirements. (FTC Press Release)

How to Identify Legitimate Accreditation

A legitimate online high school or GED program will be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Some respected accrediting bodies include:

• Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
• Cognia (formerly AdvancED)
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)

To verify a program’s accreditation status, consult the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited institutions or check with your state’s department of education.

Red Flags for Fake Diplomas

Watch out for these warning signs when assessing an online high school or GED program:

• Quick and Easy Diplomas: Legitimate programs require time and effort. Diploma mills often promise a diploma in weeks with little to no coursework.
• No Coursework Requirements: Accredited programs include structured assignments and assessments.
• Unrecognized Accrediting Agencies: Fake schools frequently cite accreditation by agencies that sound official but lack recognition by CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education.
• Upfront Fees for Diplomas: Genuine institutions usually charge tuition per term or credit, not a single payment for a diploma.

How to Earn a Real Diploma or GED

In addition to traditional schools, there are legitimate online programs and adult education options. Many community colleges, state-run programs, and accredited online schools offer valid pathways to a diploma. Be wary of institutions that promise instant diplomas or degrees based solely on “life experience” — no legitimate school offers a diploma this way.

The Consequences of Using a Fake Diploma

Using a diploma from a scam program can have serious consequences, including:

• Job Rejections: Employers often verify educational credentials, and a fake diploma can disqualify you from employment.
• College Admission Denials: Colleges require diplomas from accredited high schools, so a diploma from a diploma mill won’t be accepted.
• Financial and Legal Risks: Many of these programs charge hundreds to thousands of dollars for worthless diplomas. Being aware of these risks can save both money and future opportunities.

Finding Reliable Resources

To protect yourself, consult your state’s department of education, local community colleges, or the American Association of Community Colleges to ensure the high school program or equivalency test you’re considering is recognized and legitimate.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, file a complaint with the FTC or contact your state’s consumer protection agency. Taking action can help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.

For more information on recognizing diploma scams, refer to the FTC’s consumer alert on diploma mills.