The Importance of Accreditation in Online Education
How do you know an online college can provide a quality education? One major sign is accreditation.
Accreditation is a review of the quality of colleges and universities, undertaken by various accrediting agencies. Think of it as a seal of approval and a way for employers to know your online degree has credibility.
Accreditation is important for several other key reasons:
- Accreditation is crucial for students seeking federal grants and loans for their education.
- The federal and state governments have accreditation requirements for institutions to be eligible for funds and for students to sit for licensure exams.
- Graduating from accredited institutions can enhance a student’s job prospects and career opportunities.
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation evaluates the entire institution, while programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs.
Accreditation should be a top priority when researching online colleges. Most institutions highlight their accreditation on the homepage of their websites. There are several databases you can use to verify an online college’s accreditation, including the:
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- U.S. Department of Education (USDE)
