Accreditation of Online Colleges
Whether it's an online associate's degree, online bachelor's degree, or online MBA degree you seek, accreditation should be a highly influential factor as you search for the right online university.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation involves the independent review of a school's educational programs and policies to ensure they meet certain protocols and follows certain procedures. These criteria are determined by an outside agency. Schools that meet the minimum criteria receive accreditation.
Why is Accreditation Important?
- Accreditation is a helpful tool through which students can find quality institutions.
- Many potential employers do not accept unaccredited degrees.
- Unaccredited degrees or credit hours cannot be transferred to an accredited school later.
- Unaccredited programs are not eligible for financial aid.
What are the Accrediting Agencies for Online Colleges?
In the United States, the most recognized form of university accreditation comes from the six regional accreditation boards.
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- New England Association of Schools & Colleges
- Southern Association of Colleges & Schools
- Western Association of Schools & Colleges
The Distance Education & Training Council (DETC) is a nationally recognized accreditation agency that accredits distance education institutions and distance education programs. However, online degrees accredited by only the DETC may not be fully recognized by other universities or future employers.
What are Accreditation/Diploma Mills?
When navigating the world of online college, it's important to be aware of accreditation mills, diploma mills, and degree mills. Accreditation mills are educational accreditation organizations that have low criterion and are unrecognized by the government. Diploma mills are businesses that claim to be accredited schools. They are not accredited by any nationally recognized accrediting agencies and are not recognized by regionally accredited schools or employers.
Resources
For more information on regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, visit their site here.
To search for accredited schools, visit the U.S. Department of Education Database or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Database.
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