If you are considering using an accredited online college in order to obtain a degree, no doubt that you've scoured the internet looking for a great program. You may have even signed up for more information on several websites. If this is the case, you may have received an email or two about what are known as "Life Experience Degrees".

Life experience degrees are, in essence, degrees that you are able to receive in exchange for certain life experiences you may have had instead of earning the credits by taking a course or going to school traditionally. Sound too good to be true? That's because it most likely is. While some schools do offer credits for certain life experiences, an entire degree, especially a Masters or PhD, are essentially impossible to earn through life experience alone. So if you receive an offer for a life experience degree, it's a good idea to be wary of the offering.

Very basically, there is no way to earn an entire degree based on past life experience. Accredited online colleges will not offer an entire life experience degree, and if they do, it's probably illegitimate. A reputable school will help you earn your degree through online courses and hard work.

However, some schools will help you to obtain your degree through knowledge and demonstration of prior learning. This means if you have credits from another institution that you can transfer, or take a test to prove your knowledge on a certain subject, you may be able to receive credit through those actions. This is a great option for those who want to save money and don't want the hassle of repeating classes or courses.

Remember that prior learning credits and assessments will never apply to graduate programs. If you're approached or e-mailed concerning receiving your graduate degree with little or no work due to prior learning and life experience, know that the school offering this program is not reputable, and any credit or degree your earn from them will receive little or no recognition from the working community.

Although life experience degrees sound like a great idea, beware of schools offering them. It is most likely a scam and you'll lose your head earned money with nothing to show for it. The best way to earn a degree is hard work, learning and persistence. Earning a degree may be a challenge, but it is a challenge that is worth the hard work in the end.