This is part of what I referred to in my first post and is usually what I mention when someone is truly interested in the school. Harvard College does its credentialing when you apply. A very low percentage of people who apply to the College get in, but almost everyone who does will walk away with a degree. The Extension School moves that credentialing until after the student enrolls in classes. There are virtually no barriers to take classes and the application process isn't hard to get through, but the amount of students who leave the school with a degree is very low. Therefore the school is more of a meritocracy. Almost anyone who is capable and determined enough to earn a degree is able to regardless of their prior educational history. The last time I saw stats on it, the actual percentage of people who apply to Harvard College that earn a degree was very close to the number of people who take a class at Harvard Extension school that earn a degree.