2011

According to the most recent report of Accredibase, the UK-based background screening company Verifile Limited, there was a staggering 48% increase in the number of known degree or diploma mills operating worldwide last year. It identified more than 2,500 bogus institutions across all regions, but primarily in North America and Europe.

"Prospective candidates for online MBAs now have to sift through a deluge of university options, both for-profit and non-profit, the legitimate as well as those that could be termed ""diploma mills."" Sham schools continue to operate two years after the well-publicized incident of Chester the dog earning an MBA online, and they pose challenges both to people seeking serious programs and to genuine distance-learning programs trying to establish their credibility."

According to a new Accredibase report, the volume of 'diploma mills' is increasing and growth represents around 48% on last year's total.