For would-be students seeking an online degree, there's a lot of talk about accreditation. Those students who are just venturing into online learning may be asking: what is accreditation and what are accredited online colleges and degrees?

Accreditation is defined as official recognition of authority and competency. An accredited online program has gone through the process of gaining credibility for its online degrees. By ensuring that they offer accredited online degrees, colleges receive what might be considered an official stamp that reads: quality-controlled and recognized.

Accreditation is not a requirement that applies exclusively to distance learning programs. Brick and mortar colleges need accreditation just as much as online college programs. As a result, accreditation works the same way for all colleges, whether they are online or campus-based. An accrediting agency sets the accreditation standards and guarantees that other entities (such as employers and other colleges) will honor the degree.

How to find an accredited distance learning program

No one wants to pay tens of thousands of dollars for an online degree that is not recognized by employers. Diploma mills are becoming increasingly more common, and online students are unknowingly handing over money for an unrecognized and unusable degree. Diploma mills may not provide the name of an accreditation agency or may offer the name of an unrecognized one, knowing that not everyone will investigate the accrediting agency before they hand over their money.

Before the first financial transaction is made, take the time to ensure that the online college you have chosen has been accredited. Then confirm that the accreditation agency is reputable; in the United States, the Department of Education reviews accrediting agencies and publishes a list of recognized agencies. Look up any accrediting agency to see if it is listed.

For more information:
U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Diploma Mills and Accreditation information from the U.S. Department of Education