Although many life experience degree programs are legitimate, employers sometimes question the credibility of such a degree and not accept it. Distance learning colleges are not always accredited or approved by a state's department of education. This is usually not a problem for someone already working who has talked to his employer about the program before beginning it. A person looking for a job and considering the degree to help him obtain it, however, may have a problem if prospective employers do not accept the legitimacy of the degree.
A life experience degree can often lead to an increase in salary if an employer rewards those with advanced degrees. Accreditation is given via your state department of education if it verifies the program meets state standards. Schools accredited by a state department of education are generally considered legitimate and their degrees worthwhile.
Because it is usually obtained online, a life experience degree provides students the opportunity and flexibility to work at their own pace and at their convenience. While there is a potential stigma attached to an online degree, an increasing number of colleges are providing such degrees, which is leading to increased acceptance.
Numerous non-accredited colleges offer life experience degrees, resulting in a high incidence of fraud. Sometimes a "school" takes an applicant's money but does not provide a genuine diploma. Applicants should carefully research any online, or distance learning, programs to determine their legitimacy.