Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the influence that the predictor variables of time, credit for life experience, tuition on a per-degree basis, and institutional licensure had on the decision to select a diploma mill by students enrolled in an accredited community college. Methodology. The study was descriptive, using quantitative data obtained through an experiment designed to elicit the descriptive information. The population consisted of students enrolled in a public community college located in Southern California. Each of the 205 subjects was asked to view web pages for sixteen fictitious colleges that varied only in the presence or absence of the four variables. After viewing each web page, the subjects were asked to use a five-point Likert scale to rate their likelihood of enrolling in the college. After looking at all sixteen web pages, the subjects were asked to reflect on their choices and to rate the perceived level of effect each of the four variables had on their decisions. Findings. The data established no relationship between the variables of time, credit for life experience, or tuition and the decision to select a diploma mill. A statistically significant relationship was established between the assertion that an institution was licensed and the decision to select a diploma mill. The subjects perceived themselves to have been influenced by all four of the variables, but this perception was only shown to be the statistically significant in the area of licensure. Conclusions and recommendations. This study has shown that a statement that an institution is "licensed" can significantly influence the decision to enroll in a diploma mill. States that permit the operation of diploma mills should consider legislation limiting the issuance of licenses to those academic institutions that meet generally accepted accreditation principles. Accredited colleges should partner with the media to build public awareness of diploma mills as a form of consumer fraud. In addition, academic counseling should include instruction regarding the meaning of accreditation, the difference between accreditation and licensure, the definition and legal status of diploma mills, and the professional risks taken by those who acquire diploma mill degrees.