Earning a college degree entirely online without ever visiting the campus is now considered to be mainstream. In fact, most major colleges and universities now offer such online degree programs. These programs are ideal for many people but are primarily suited for those who work full-time and are unable to visit a college campus in person on a regular basis. If you are someone who is considering pursuing an online college degree to get a much-deserved promotion or to train for a new career, you may have encountered a school known as Belford University during your search for the perfect school.
Belford University Scam
At first glance, Belford University may appear to be exactly what you are looking for. After all, the school claims to award either the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and even the doctoral degree based on previous work experience. Who doesn’t like the sound of being able to turn all of that previous experience into a college degree you can use in your career without having to take any additional classes? Without a doubt the concept appeals to many, however, there’s just one big problem. It’s a scam.
Unfortunately, there are many fake colleges and universities that award fake college degrees for a fee. These schools have the appearance of being legit and usually have legitimate-sounding names. Many of them even claim to be accredited by an organization that sounds very legit. Sadly, it’s all a fabrication. These “schools” are usually known as “diploma mills.” They exist for only one reason… to take your money.
The way diploma mills operate is simple. The perpetrators of the fraud create a very official-looking website to advertise their “school” and the fake college degrees they offer. They claim that for a fee they will evaluate your work history and credentials. If everything checks out, you will be awarded a college degree. The “school” will then send a fake diploma to you in the mail complete with a fake transcript. Unfortunately, many people get taken by diploma mill scams each year and end up losing thousands of dollars to purchase worthless credentials.
What about Belford University? Is it a diploma mill? Is There A Belford University Scam?
Belford University Reviews
Belford University fits the classic definition of a diploma mill. The “school” advertises college degree programs that can be completed for life experience. Before we go any further it’s worth noting that no legitimate college or university will award college credit for any type of previous experience. That’s just not how it works in real life. In a 2007 article in the Yale Daily News, a journalist who was investigating Belford University was able to apply and receive a doctorate from the “school” in just a few hours. The transcript he received showed a 3.0 GPA but he could qualify for Latin honors for an additional $25 fee. In addition, the graduation date for his shiny new doctorate could be back-dated for another fee of only $75.
Belford University Location
Where is Belford University located? Is there a campus? Although the “school” does maintain a mailing address in Texas, there is no physical campus that anyone has ever been able to find. And strangely enough, all diplomas Belford issues are mailed from the United Arab Emirates.
Belford University Accreditation
Checking a college or university’s accreditation is usually the easiest way to determine whether it’s legit or not. In the United States, the highest form of collegiate accreditation a school can hold is known as regional accreditation. The Belford University accreditation does not check out at all. The school does not hold regional accreditation.
Belford University does claim to be accredited by two different organizations, however. These organizations include the International Accreditation Agency for Online Universities (IAAOU) and the Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation (UCOEA). Unfortunately, neither of these “organizations” is considered to be legitimate. They are not recognized by any country as being valid.
Belford University should be considered unaccredited. Because of this you should be extremely careful when considering this “school.” Unaccredited degrees are illegal to use in several states including Oregon, Michigan, Maine, North Dakota, New Jersey, Washington, Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas.
Belford University Fraud
Many people have purchased a Belford University “degree” and attempted to use it to gain a promotion at work or to seek a new career. Many of these people had no idea the school is considered a diploma mill and its degrees are worthless. Sadly, there have been many instances of people losing their jobs after it was discovered that their degree was a fake. Employers take these things very seriously. If you try to pass off a fake credential as the real thing, it could cost you your job as it has for countless others.
Although the idea of being able to earn a college degree based on life experience is very tempting, it’s best to take a pass on it and focus on earning a degree from a respected college or university you’re already familiar with. There are now so many respected schools with strong name recognition that offer college degrees online that you should have no problem finding one to meet your needs.