Be skeptical of programs that offer degrees much more quickly than other schools. For example, a school that offers a bachelor's degree in a matter of months is likely to be a diploma mill, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Some of these schools might also offer an unusual amount of credit for real-world experience.
Be careful about schools that have you pay your tuition by the degree. These schools sometimes offer discounts if you choose to obtain multiple degrees. If the school is accredited, it will charge by the credit hour, course or semester, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Watch for other warning signs that the school is not legitimate. If the school points to state registration or licensing as evidence of its legitimacy, you should be leery, according to the BBB. If you do not have much contact with professors, or if the school's address is a box or suite number, you should investigate further.
Check up on the school before you give them your money. Check the U.S. Department of Education's list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies to make sure the school has been accredited by a legitimate agency. Watch out for fake names that sound similar to the names of recognized accrediting agencies. The Department of Education recommends contacting your state's Better Business Bureau or state attorney general's office if you are unsure whether an online school is legitimate.