A Texas professor recently found herself under public scrutiny after it was learned that one of her degrees came from California Coast University. Here's a blurb from The Beaumont Enterprise:

"A Lamar endowed professor said she was "shocked" to learn one of the doctoral degrees she holds is considered "substandard" and illegal to use in Texas...

Sisk said she selected the California Coast University, a distance learning institution based in Santa Ana, Calif., at the recommendation of a friend who went through the program...

Although California Coast University asserts accreditation by Distance Education and Training Council on its Web site, that organization is not one of the six accreditation firms recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, said Dominic M. Chavez, the agency's assistant director for state relations...

Under the Texas Penal Code, the use of a "fraudulent" or "substandard" degree is a Class B misdemeanor."

This case clearly demonstrates the importance of choosing a regionally accredited school. Most would not consider California Coast University a diploma mill. It's accreditor, the DETC, is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. However, as one woman learned, the lack of regional accreditation can lead to scrutiny and even criminal accusations in some states.