Is MDPI as credible as Elsevier?

Not universally. Elsevier has stronger overall institutional prestige and dominates Scopus indexing. However, individual MDPI journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science are credible and accepted by many universities. Always verify the journal indexing status and check your institution policy before submitting.

How long does publication take with MDPI vs Elsevier?

MDPI often completes peer review and publication within a few weeks, while Elsevier journals may take several months from submission to decision. This makes MDPI a faster option for students working under academic deadlines.

Which is cheaper, Elsevier or MDPI?

MDPI publication fees are usually lower than Elsevier open access charges. Costs vary by journal, so always check the official journal website before submitting.

Can I publish my dissertation in an MDPI journal?

Yes, if the journal is indexed in Scopus or Web of Science and your university accepts it. Always confirm with your supervisor and review the journal scope, editorial board, and recent publications before submission.

Was MDPI listed as a predatory publisher?

MDPI was added to Jeffrey Beall's list of potentially predatory publishers in 2014. OASPA later investigated and allowed MDPI to retain membership. Some MDPI journals were flagged by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2020), and Finland's Publication Forum (JUFO) downgraded 271 journals from MDPI and Frontiers combined to Level 0 from 2025 – around 187 of them MDPI titles, with 16 MDPI journals retained at Level 1. Today, MDPI is not formally classified as predatory, but its history is genuinely contested. Evaluate each journal individually.