The U.S. Federal Government adopted its Higher Education Opportunity Act in 2008, clearly defining what exactly a ''diploma mill'' is and isn't. Page 10 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act reads :
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''The term 'diploma mill' means an entity that
(A) i. offers, for a fee, degrees, diplomas or certificates that may be used to represent to the general public that the individual possessing such a degree, diploma, or certificate has completed a program of postsecondary education or training
and
ii. requires such an individual to complete little or no education or coursework to obtain such degree, diploma, or certificate
and
(B) lacks accreditation by an accrediting agency or association that is recognized as an accrediting agency or association of institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in section 102) by:
i. the Secretary pursuant to subpart 2 of part H of title IV
or
ii. a federal agency, a State government
or
other organization or association that recognizes accrediting agencies or associations."
The legal definition of ''diploma mills'' clearly excludes legitimate degree granting institutions such as Concordia College & University, Delaware from being associated with diploma mill entities.
(A) Concordia College and University degrees or diplomas are not up for sale, they can be earned but not bought. Concordia College & University degrees do not falsely represent to the general public that the individual has completed a program of postsecondary education or training, since all degrees and diplomas ever awarded by Concordia College and University over a period of +10 years accurately represent the holder's college-level knowledgeability gained through self-paced learning, through completing traditional or online college classes, and through life experience credits. Concordia degrees are not offered ''for a fee'', but solely for the individual's documented prior learning, required to earn his or her Concordia College and University degree.
(B) Concordia College and University is properly accredited by the National Academic Higher Education Agency in Washington DC, an accrediting organization recognized by the Secretary of State and by other organizations that recognize accrediting agencies or associations, admitted by a State government body (view eligibility requirements).
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