Un-Accreditited List Updated

Current List of Domestic (Operational) Un-Accredited Colleges and Universities*

Agape Christian University (CA)
American Coastline University (LA)
American College of Law (CA)
American Institute of Hypnotherapy (CA)
American Pacific University (CA)
American University of Hawaii (HI)
American World University (MS)
Americus University (?)
Armstrong University (CA)
Asia Pacific International Institutes (CA)
Barrington University (AL)
Bethany Bible College and Seminary (AL)
Bible Life College and Seminary (MO)
California American University (CA)
California Coast University (CA)
California Pacific University (CA)
Cambridge Graduate School (CA)
Central California College, School of Law (CA)
Central State University (CA)
Century University (NM)
Chadwick University (AL)
Christian Life International Bible College (CA)
City University Los Angeles (CA)
Clayton College of Natural Health (AL)
Columbus University (LA)
Eastern University (WY)
Fairfax University (LA)(SD)
Faith Grant College (LA)
Finley Engineering College (MO)
Frederick Taylor University (CA)
Freedom Bible College and Seminary (AR)
Glendale University, College of Law (CA)
Global University (formerly Berean U.) (MO)
Greenleaf University (MO)
Greenwich University (HI)
Hamilton University (WY)
Hawthorne University (UT)
Heed University (FL)
Honolulu University (HI)
Huron International University (CA)
International Christian University (LA)
International Reform University (MO)
Jackson College of Ministries (MS)
Kennedy-Western University (WY)
Kensington University (CA)
Lacrosse University (LA)
Lincoln Park University (HI)
Madison University (NV)
Meridian University (LA)
Monterey College of Law (CA)
Newport University (CA)
Omega University (NH)
Oriental Medical Institute of Hawaii (HI)
Ozark Bible Institute and College (MO)
Pacific Coast University School of Law (CA)
Pacific International University (MO)
Pacific Southern University (CA)
Pacific Western University (HI)
Patriot University (CO)
Pickering University (HI)
Preston University (WY)
Rudlof Steiner College (CA)
Ryokan College (CA)
San Bernadino Bible College (CA)
San Francisco College of Law (CA)
Southeastern Institute of Technology (AL)
Southern California University of Professional Studies (CA)
Southern Pacific University (CA)
Summit University (LA)
Trinity College and University (SD)
University of Advanced Research (HI)
University of Berkley (MI)
University of Healing (CA)
University of Metaphysics (CA)
University of the Nations (HI)
Ventura College of Law (CA)
Vission Christian University (CA)
Washington International University (SD)
Weimer College (CA)
Westbrook University (NM)
Western Baptist Bible College (MO)
William Howard Taft University (CA)

* some schools may have state-approval, but lack Regional Accreditation, DETC or AABC (for religion-based colleges) recognition.

More will follow as they are found and I'm sure John will have a few to add.

I will shortly post my current list of unaccredited foreign schools.

 

It's an interesting list. However, what, pray tell, would someone do with this information?



Tom Nixon

 

Such a list is worse than useless because it provides no way for anyone to distinguish between legitimate unaccredited schools and outright degree mills.

 

Not to mention (referencing Gert above) that most people on this board could more than double this list off the top of our heads. And Gert is correct--a list does nothing unless its annotated. Wait! there's an idea--an annotated, descriptive listing of accredited, state approved, and unaccredited schools offering DL!

Craig

 

What to do with this list? How about simply avoid!

If we are to suggest the positives of distance learning, should we not also advise others of those schools which potential students should avoid?

The list is only useless is everyone is already familiar with the clever marketing of schools on the Internet. Aside from the recent posts relating to Lincoln Park University, which has a dreadful site, some of these sites can be misleading in their so-called accreditation. If we are to tout the virtues of Regional Accreditation, why infer that state-approved schools are even an option?

So, if one would-be student is saved from loss of money, loss of time and saved the embarassment of acquiring a worthless degree, I would be less likely to refer to the list as "useless".

 

This is what I was afraid of. You are tarring them all with the same brush. This is a dangerous game you are playing, linyard.

 

Gert:

It's nothing more than an opinion, my opinion.

There are some that may feel that state-approved schools are acceptable and an option in the quest for higher learning. The list made no reference to the schools being "inferior", simply unaccredited.

However, (again my opinion) if we compare two schools, one state-approved and the other regionally accredited, and all things being equal, why would one choose state-approved over RA?

 

Some of these schools are horrible; some are actually pretty good, and some no longer exist. Every school on earth was once unaccredited. Why tell people to avoid a school that might serve their particular purpose?

Craig

 

But you are not comparing state-approved and regionally accredited. You are merely lumping unaccredited schools together.

And, as Craig has pointed out, your list is incomplete. What are your criteria for inclusion in this list? Would you include Northcentral University?

There are many bad uses for such a list. For example:

• Mill operator can point out that his/her school is not in the list and hence is OK.
• Some unaccredited schools will become accredited. Then mill operator can point out that his/her school is in this list -- but so are subsequently accredited schools. And therefore <fill in rest of argument yourself>.
• Lawyer who attends CA-approved school and legitimately passes CA Bar can later have his/her reputation tarnished because his/her law school is listed along with American Coastline, Lacrosse, etc.

 

Craig:

I still do not understand the points that both you and Gert have suggested. It could also be that I am not making my own point clear on this issue.

There are hundreds of colleges and universities offering distance learning (external programs). Lets us say, for the sake of arguement, that two-thirds of those schools are regionally accredited. If I were to have an interest in persuing a Masters in Education (as an example) and schools such as Ferris State, George Washington, Iowa State, Pittsburg State, U. of Northern Colorado, Norwich U. and Walden offer the degree via distance learning, why would I choose a state-approved school over the universities cited?

I suppose that if I wanted to become a lawyer and I had certain economic constraints or was a certain distance from an accredited college, I might consider a state-approved school of law. But then I'd have to move to that state to sit for the bar and practice my trade. Unless you live in the state of California, this would not be an option for most people.

On the bottom of the list was the mention that these were schools that I had found. They may be state-approved, but they are not regionally accredited. If they are not regionally accredited, then there is the issue of financial aid, which is an issue unto itself.

Most of what I have read in the postings on this forum have suggested RA , if possible, over any other avenue. I am of the same opinion. If I had a choice between the two, there's really no choice.

 

As for Northcentral University:

They are currently a candidate for approval (RA). If I were looking for a school, at this very moment, I probably would not consider them. Question: What do they offer that I can't find elsewhere?

Accreditation is accreditation. If we don't have a standard to use to guage one school against another, why should any of us make a fuss about any degree, acquired by any means.

Hell, why have this forum?

 

Linyard,

My problem is that your opinion sounds a lot like FACT. It would have been better practice to state " in my opinion..blah,blah.blah." ....... I am of course refering to your list.

BTW Global University is actually DETC accredited. I am sure they will not be pleased at your inference.

Bozzy (who has a friend with a Berean/Global degree)

 

Well, bozzy has just neatly demonstrated one of the problems with lists of this sort!

I agree that we should discuss the value of different types of accreditation in terms of benefits related to quality assurance and the utility of the credentials earned. But a simple (and in this case inaccurate) list without any analysis is worse than useless.

 

Linyard: I am not really attacking your opinion. I just don't think that all non-RA schools are bad, or that all RA schools are good. It is my practice to evaluate schools on a case by case, or even student by student basis. Having been involved with the accreditation process (WASC) on both sides of the transaction, (I have been on a visitation team) I was just not that convinced that much was accomplished in terms of the education provided. Accreditation prevents gross academic incompetence. True. But one reason to study at certain unaccredited schools might be that you can have as a mentor an individual who is normally at a school you simply could not attend. I just take each instance on a case by case basis--a process that does not lend itself to lists. You need to add Bob Jones, Pensacola Christian, and Hyles-Anderson to your list, excepting the fact that, of their ilk, they are very good schools which are widely accepted.

If a person likes the program, and if they are comfortable with the portability of the degree, then do it.

For example: If I were retired or semi-retired from teaching, and I wanted to get on the educational seminar circuit, I would do an Ed.D. at Cal Coast in a second. Why in the world would I want to put myself through UC hoops or pay USC fees? If I were a lead pastor in an independent church, I would RATHER have a Bob Jones D.Min. than almost any other degree.

Personal circumstances, Linyard, personal circumstances.

Plus I have the romantic notion that certain unaccredited schools stir the pot a little--let freedom ring.

Blessings at Easter

Craig
Th.D. from unaccredited school that serves me well everyday
Ph.D. (C) University of California, which these days does nothing for me.

PS I really do understand and quite respect your opinion--it is that of the majority.

 

Some of the schools on the list don't offer any distance education programs.

Others are accredited. For example, Armstrong University is accredited by ACICS, a USDoEd/CHEA recognized accreditor. San Francisco Law School is accredited by the California State Bar Association and actually has a pretty good reputation in the SF bay area and a decent bar exam pass rate.

 

...and by the time that this suggested list [of reasonable, less than wonderful, fraudulent degree mills, DETC institutions, no longer operating, defunct ... and of course the ones that have been missed out altogether] is heavily edited to the degree required...

...you will have rewritten the same chapters of John bears book, only that JB's book will leave you in the shade of your palm tree.

The wheel has already been invented - hasn't it?

 

Let us hope that your attempt at the global list is a little more accurate, or you'll run out of tree to hide behind.

Better still - why not leave it to the expert?

On the other hand, maybe you do have a deathwish ... you did start off that way on the group...

 

There are several additional factors to consider. First of all, a doctorate from several of the California schools listed would enable one to be licensed within that state as a Psychologist. The same holds true for their JD degrees which could lead to eligiblility to practice law within California. In effect, for certain individuals this may serve their puposes and goals very well !

Secondly, this list represents the perspective and belief system of one individual, who is making global statements about what is best for others! Obviously, the point of this forum is to discuss, educate and if necessary to disagree! However, there is no one person who can make determinations as to what is in the interests of other posters even if they select an unaccredited degree program! That is their decision and may meet thier needs!

So the bottomline Linyard is that although your intentions may be good it is important to keep in mind that this list really represents your needs and personal beliefs which is fine. However, it becomes an issue when any person attempts to represent their way as being the only way!

 

I may have been in error for “ tarring them with the same brush” and not starting the thread with the term in my opinion, but at least I will never be called wishy-washy. It’s quite evident that everyone has a different view (and opinion) about what they consider acceptable. The issue of acceptablility or in this case, accreditation, will always be based on the individual’s specific needs.

My concern is with the issuance of “state approval” (or other approving bodies) considering a school educationally and fiscally sound, based solely on that state’s “good judgement”. This may explain why California gets a black eye and States like Louisiana, Montana, Wyoming and Hawaii will permit some S-Corporations to flourish. If memory serves correct, California and Florida had numerous problems with schools in the birth of the distance learning movement. This of course does not address the issue of multi-jurisdiction when a school receives approval in one state and grants their degrees in another.

Another point made in this thread is that “every school starts out being un-accredited.” This is true, however, with as many schools that do have regional accreditation, why take the chance that the school you have just enrolled in will some day be approved. I suppose that those who earned their degrees through Columbia State University can now breathe a sigh of relief with their recent DETC approval.

If we are to have one standard by which we judge (and I am not authority here) a schools credibility, regional accreditation makes sense. It makes sense from three points of view, all of which is acceptability: 1) those who employ you; 2) your peers; and, 3) other schools, should you wish to continue your education. A state-approved institution, regardless of it’s high standards, may not be accepted by all or even some. Craig made a valid point in his example of a “retired or semi-retired” individual wanting to get on the "educational seminar circuit". Adding credability to one’s point of view by strategically placing a comma after one’s name (from a state-approved school) may pack the auditorium, but it’s little help to the thirty-something, middle management person, trying to improve their career outlook. This potentially could be a time bomb waiting to explode should their HR department not fully accept "state-approved".

In conclusion, I will refrain from any further lists of any sort. However, I will still exert my strong convictions regarding regional accreditation and the need for greater control over states approving higher-learning institutions. But that’s just my opinion...

Happy Easter to one and all!

 

Thought experiment: if I made a complete list of the RA schools (which would take but a few hours since the accrediting bodies list them on their web sites), would that be acceptable or unacceptable?

Can you not infer the same from a list of RAs as a list of non-RAs? If a school is not on the RA list then it must be DETC (or other DOE-approved), foreign, unaccredited and/or a degree mill.