Why Accreditation Matters

Frequently Asked Questions about Online Education

A general list of frequently asked questions and detailed answers about online education. Includes information about how online classes are organized and structured, the reputation and respectability of online degrees, accreditation information, financial aid resources, etc. Read The Article...

General Benefits of e-Learning

This article lists and explains some of the most noticeable benefits of completing online college coursework, especially as compared to the in-classroom instructional environment, and includes a discussion of why online education has enjoyed increased respect in recent years. Read The Article...

Is e-Learning Right For You?

An informative article that details and explains the nature of online education. This article is primarily intended to help potential students make an accurate determination of whether or not they can succeed in the online education/e-Learning environment. Read The Article...

Understanding Accreditation

Will employers respect your online degree? Will your credits transfer to another institution? Does your online education have the same value as one earned on-campus? This article explains the general concepts of accreditation and why it matters to both students and employers. Read The Article...

Differences In Academic Schedules

The differences between self-paced, one-month, quarter, and semester terms, as well as an explanation of synchronous and asynchronous schedules in online classes. Students can use this information to help determine the best schedule for their own educational needs. Read The Article...

Online Learning Styles

This article offers a detailed explanation of the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. The prevalent aspects of each learning style is addressed, including examples. The design of online education to meet the various online learning styles is also addressed. Read The Article...

Why Accreditation Matters

What do colleges and students mean when they mention a university or program's accreditation? This article discusses accreditation - what exactly is is, why it matters, and how to recognize and avoid unaccredited online colleges and universities. Read The Article...

The History of Online Education

This article contains a general overview of the history of online education, and uses extensive statistics and research to display trends of online education, including its rapid and continued growth in popularity and respectability amongst both students and employers worldwide. Read The Article...

Demonstration of an Online Course

Are you curious about online education but have no idea how an online class "works?" This is an actual, working demonstration course that we have developed solely to help potential online students determine if online education is the right choice for their educational needs. View The Demonstration Course...

Information, resources, and tips to help service members transition from the front lines to the front of the class

Transitioning from the Front Line to the Classroom

The brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces are increasingly enrolling in college coursework to strengthen professional skills. This article explains the process of pursuing higher education as a service member, including numerous resources for financial assistance. Read The Article...

Step-By-Step Instructions to Complete the FAFSA

This step-by-step checklist will guide you through the process necessary to complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) - the primary source of state and federal financial aid funding. Includes preparation information and links to necessary resources. Read The Article...

How and Why To Apply for Financial Aid

This article provides a general description of internal/institutional, external, and governmental financial aid funding opportunities, and the importance of recognizing and seizing such opportunities for funding possibilities. Several links are included. Read The Article...

What Is A Virtual Classroom?

Have you wondered how exactly you attend an online college course, submit your assignments, or participate in online class discussions? This article offers a brief explanation of how online classes are organized and their general benefits to students. Read The Article...

Beating Cheaters: Cheating in an Online Class

It's a common argument in opposition to the respect and reputation of an online education - it is easier to cheat in an online class. This article examines and exposes the myth by explaining the methods used in an online class to deter and eliminate cheating. Read The Article...

Common Myths about Online Education

A brief list of some of the common arguments made by proponents of online education. This article discusses and dispells these myths while providing additional resources for students regarding their online degree program. Read The Article...

Find a Recommended College or University by Name:

Recommended Colleges & Programs

Find Your Online Degree Now

Use the tool below to find a recommended online degree program that fits your needs and goals!

followers

click here to follow us on

Why Accreditation Matters in Online Classes

Why Accreditation Matters

One of the first questions that every student considering online education asks is about the accreditation of the various online colleges and universities in which they are interested. Accreditation is an important issue that plays a crucial part in determining both the quality of your education and the respectability of your eventual online degree.

A school accredited by the right agencies can grant degrees that lead to increased income and higher positions. But, a degree that is given by a “fake” school can turn out to be a huge waste of time and energy. Make sure you know the facts about accreditation before you register for classes with any online school.

What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation is the process of reviewing a school's programs and policies to see if it meets criteria set by an outside agency. When a school is found to meet the minimum criteria, it is granted accreditation.

Why Is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is meant to protect students, schools, and employers. It ensures that a school is educating its students and meeting quality standards.

Who Grants Accreditation?
Not all accreditation is equal. Accreditation from the wrong source (such as an accreditation mill) can be worse than no accreditation at all.

Make sure that your online school is accredited by an agency recognized by either the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations maintain lists of legitimate accreditors.

If you want your online degree to be widely accepted, select a school that is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the CHEA. These are the same agencies that accredit reputable brick-and-mortar schools.

Many online schools are accredited by the Distance Education Training Council (DETC). This accreditor is also recognized by the USDE and CHEA. It is recognized by many employers. However, DETC accreditation is not as widely accepted as regional accreditation. Many regionally accredited schools do not accept transfer credits from DETC accredited schools. Use discretion when selecting an online college with DETC accreditation.

What Is A Diploma Mill?
A diploma mill is a school that sells degrees and requires little to no work of its students. These colleges are either unaccredited or are accredited by accreditation mills. Using a degree from a diploma mill can land you in hot water. Many employees have been fired after listing a diploma mill degree in their resumes. Some states even have laws restricting the use of degrees from diploma mills.

Note that not all unaccredited schools are diploma mills. Some unaccredited schools are undergoing the accreditation process or choose not to seek accreditation. Using a degree from one of these schools may be difficult. However, that does not automatically qualify a school as a diploma mill.

What If My School Isn't Accredited?
If you choose a school that isn't accredited (or is accredited by an illegitimate agency), it may be difficult to use your degree. Few employers will take your degree seriously. Additionally, you may not be able to transfer your credit hours or degree to an accredited school.

If you are seeking a degree for personal enjoyment, accreditation may not be important to you. However, if you want to use your degree in the workplace or plan on furthering your education at a later date, accreditation is essential.

How Can I Check If My School Is Accredited?
Use the links in this article, and below, to search for your school's accreditation online:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Community & Junior Colleges)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Senior Colleges & Universities)
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)