Online degrees can be the key to a new career path, career advancement, and more financial stability. The beauty of online degree programs is that students can earn their degree wherever they are, at their own pace, while they continue their career, and even while they raise their children.

Because online degrees have become increasingly popular, there are more and more false colleges and universities, often known as “diploma mills,” that attempt to look like the real thing.

Here are a few questions to ask to avoid being taken advantage of by one of these “diploma mills:”

Is the school accredited?: Accreditation is what lets a diploma carry weight in the economy, without it a diploma is just a piece of paper. Look on the school’s website and find the name of the organization that accredits the school and do some research on the organization’s website. Information about the accrediting organization should also be on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Does the school offer credit for “life experience?”: For the most part, a school that is offering credit for life experience is likely a financial scam. If a school advertises the ability to earn a degree extremely quickly, in weeks or a few months instead of the two to four years the degree would take in live courses, then it is most likely a false claim. Earning a degree takes time, effort, and hard work. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

What kind of payment plan does the school use?: Most colleges charge by either the credit hour, course, or semester. Any institution asking students to pay a single sum to obtain a degree is likely unaccredited and should be avoided. Also avoid any school willing to negotiate tuition costs. Although some schools offer financial aid or scholarships, tuition prices should not be negotiable.

How much student-teacher interaction does the school provide?: Online courses still have teachers and faculty. A reputable online program allows students to interact with faculty on a regular basis through e-mail, forum posts, online chats, and other high-tech means of communication. If a school is offering online degrees but little interaction with faculty, it should be avoided.

Online degrees are revolutionizing the education system and allowing many people to earn degrees who many not otherwise be able to. It is important to remember that selecting a reputable online college is crucial in making sure an online degree will be worth the time and hard work involved.