What is an Accredited College Anyway?

If you're considering getting a degree online, you want to look for an accredited online college or university. Why? Because an accredited degree is essential to your future.

What is Accreditation?

An accredited online college or university provides degrees that represent a level of education that is held to recognized standards. An accredited school guarantees quality instructors, curriculum, technology, administration, and more. These guarantees assure you that the education you receive meets the accepted standards.

How is a School Accredited?

To be accredited, an online college or university must pass a rigorous qualification process set up by the Distance Education and Training Council, DETC Accrediting Commission or other agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accredited online college and university programs have been through eight tough steps to accreditation. Some of the steps include:

• Campus visits by the commission.
• The production and review of student surveys.
• Course evaluations.
• Instructor evaluations by students and committees.
• And much, much more (look to the DETC website for the complete list of steps).

After going though this rigorous process, the school applies for accreditation. If the request is approved, the school then has the responsibility of maintaining this standing.

What Does Accreditation Mean to Your Online Degree?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation has specific purposes. Some of them are:

• To help students identify acceptable schools.
• To help other institutions determine the eligibility of transfer credits.
• To assure you of a quality education by establishing "criteria for professional certification and licensure and for upgrading courses offering such preparation."
• To help you qualify for financial aid and grant programs that only provide assistance to students attending accredited schools.

Overall, an accredited online college or university is one that has been tested for you.
Before you enter a distance learning program, make sure that you consider all of your options. If you're only taking one course for personal growth or enrichment, accreditation may not be important. But if you are considering a degree, accreditation is one of the most important qualifications for your school of choice.
Source:
Department of Education, "College Accreditation in the United States"

T. Jansen is a freelance writer and Ph.D. candidate in the education field.