I upvoted you, but I want to add text in agreement since such upvotes can't be seen as an endorsement. gavman's warning about the reputation of the venue is unwarranted.
Here's [0] a link to the rankings of nature journals. Nature Communications is 3rd in general science, and Nature is 1st.
Tim Gowers and the freedom of knowledge group are pushing hard on journal fees.
[0]http://www.nature.com/npg_/company_info/impact_factors.html
Old post :
I can speak to the reputability of your friend's program. The statement is jaw dropping. It is so wrong as to make it hard for me to believe he goes to an accredited university.