A lot of people say no. And furthermore, they feel that degrees awarded fully or partially on 'life experience' devalue 'real' online degrees. With diploma mills already harming the online education industry, we don't need any more doubt.
The Web site for Ashwood University makes earning a college degree sound so simple.
"No need to study," it proclaims. "Receive a college degree for what you already know!"
Similar sites stress "life experience" and proclaim, "Get your college degree within nine days!"
It's the latest rage in the ever-growing world of online education, where all you need to obtain that college degree is an Internet connection, a few minutes and a credit card.
Web sites for obscure schools offer degrees based solely on your personal and professional lives. Transcripts and verification services are available, too.
Experts said there could be as many as 2,000 entities worldwide issuing life-experience degrees that are virtually worthless.
"This is a serious problem," said Judith Eaton, president of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. "And the level of attention and concern is rising.
What do you think: does life experience deserve recognition, or does hitting the books make the real difference?
Top Online Colleges
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Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University is a dynamic institution that offers accredited, online degrees to students seeking to jump start a new career. Kaplan University makes it easy for students to get the college degree that they want.
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Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has a rich tradition of online educational excellence. This excellence is shown in the quality of each class that every student receives.
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University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees. University of Phoenix shows each student how easy and convenient it is to earn your college degree through their distance learning program. Students can choose to learn at home or from a campus location near you.
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Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At Liberty University, students educational goals and needs are met by an outstanding faculty and support staff. Any adult learner looking to go back to school will be pleased with the course offerings available at Liberty University.
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American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At American InterContinental University, every individual has an opporunity to receive an excellent college degree and the ability to maximize their human potential. American InterContinental University allows you to pick a time and place that fits your schedule.
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DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students who attend DeVry University are welcomed with an outstanding faculty who put each students needs and dreams first. DeVry University is an accredited university that offers affordable degrees.
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Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University is committed to the on-going commitment of providing each student with a high-quality, low-cost online education. Everest University has a well rounded faculty with real world experience.
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Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College uses a student-centric approach to its educational curriculum and each student benefits from this ideal. Westwood College is an accredited university with degrees in high-growth industries.
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