Saudi Gazette reports on an issue that’s the bane of American Cultural Affairs Officers and Ambassadors: unaccredited universities.

Many students around the world want the cachet of an American university degree. The problem is that they may not be able to afford it or to travel abroad to study. This is an opportunity that con men have exploited for decades now, but one that the Internet has made easier. They offer useless degrees for varying amounts of scholastic work and money, often tricking people into spending both time and money for no useful reward.

The real problem is that accreditation of universities in the US is complicated. Universities are accredited by one of six regional bodies. Their standards are essentially the same. Universities accredited by any of the six are certified to be of at least minimal quality and to offer valid degrees.

The 50 American states, however, also accredit educational institutions doing business within those states. Some accredit schools that offer education for those seeking goals other than academic degrees: continuing education, professional education, adult education, etc. Perfectly legitimate, but not what the student seeking academic credentials wants.

Because these are real—but useless for the degree-seeker—they can become confused with the ‘diploma mills’ that trade degrees for cash. In both cases, the degrees are not accepted by governments and businesses. The result is unhappy people who have spent money and time and have nothing but a scrap of paper to show for it. Sometimes it’s even worse, as when the government or business believes the student is trying his own confidence game.

I think it very useful for the US Embassy to regularly remind would-be students to check that the schools they’re interested in are accredited. It saves both money and tears.

Beware of unaccredited US schools: US Embassy
Shahid Ali Khan

RIYADH – The United States Embassy here urged Saudi students planning to study in the US to beware of unaccredited educational institutions.

Such institutions, which are not recognized by the US Department of Education, and companies offering degrees or diplomas for sale often advertise in local newspapers, asserting that they are accredited US institutions of higher learning, when in fact they are not, the Embassy said.

The Embassy said that students should exercise particular caution if the degree offered by certain colleges or universities requires minimal online or classroom attendance, or if the degree can be earned in a very short period of time. In all such cases, the degree is most likely for sale.
…