Online College Accreditation Explained in Plain English
Many online colleges and universities boast that they are accredited. By now you’ve probably heard or read the term enough to know that you should choose an accredited college. However, maybe you’re not sure what accreditation means or why it is so important. Don’t worry—this academic lingo can be broken down into plain English.
What is accreditation?
College accreditation is an acknowledgment that the college and the courses and degrees it provides are approved and meet certain requirements and standards set forth by accreditation boards. Online schools are reviewed for quality by such organizations as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE), and helps ensure that you are going to receive a quality education. Without accreditation, the degree you obtain from your college might not be worth much more than the paper it is printed on.
Are all colleges accredited?
It is important to note that online schools are not required to be accredited, which paves the way for so many online diploma mills, scams, and questionable practices by some institutions. However, many online colleges have sought out accreditation on their own accord by contacting independent accreditation agencies to obtain approval. In plain English, this means they are willing to put their name on the line in order to be reviewed by the standards and quality expected by accreditation boards.
How does accreditation affect me?
So how does online accreditation affect your online college experience? It provides students the same privileges to proper admissions practices, course registration processes, opportunities to receive financial aid or other assistance, as well as other student services. Ultimately, accreditation means that you can be confident that you are receiving a quality education that will be respected by future employers.
Is it enough for an institution to claim that it is accredited?
Just as there are many legitimate online colleges, there are also schools who try to cut corners. Some even advertise that they are indeed accredited when the association who has given the school its seal of approval is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as legitimate accreditation organizations. So don’t believe everything you read—these so-called accredited institutions will be a waste of your time and money. Be careful.
