Why Accreditation is Essential in and Online Degree Program

While at first breath, accreditation may not seem to be an important thing, it should be one of the very first things prospective students examine when choosing any school, especially an online or distance learning school. Accreditation is not simply the way academic institutions assure certain standards and beliefs about education are upheld, but they also assure the student that certain expectations regarding quality, service and accountability will be upheld. Accreditation is based upon these things as well as student performance, where as in a non-accredited school the primary focus may simply be in obtaining the student's money. Beyond the educational benefits associated with accreditation, it also assures prospective employers and future schools that the education you have already received is legitimate.

Quality:
Schools are required to meet strict standards in order to obtain national accreditation. This signals a level of quality to the public regarding the education to be found at a particular school. This is especially important in distance and online programs as they are significantly prone to fraud and scams.

Dependability:
Fraudulent schools have no problem packing up and moving to a new location, after taking your money. In many cases you will have no recourse if your school simply disappears one day. There are stories, although somewhat infrequent, of students arriving to class only to find the teachers, staff and their money have mysteriously disappeared. This can be true with online education as well; except it will be the webpage that is missing. You will be left stranded with no degree and no refund. Accreditation doesn't catch all scammers, but it is definitely harder to pass the screening process.

Financial Aid:
Federal and many state financial aid programs and the G.I. Bill will not fund a degree from a non-accredited school. This is important to have examined prior to handing over your application fee, which for most schools approaches $100.

Internationalization:
Many online degree and distance learning programs are based in other countries. By becoming a nationally accredited program a school is able to assure you, and the student, that you are paying for an education worth your time and money. It also assures future employers that you did the expected course work and are have the experience in your field expected to come with the degree. This cuts through much of the hassle that would accompany tracking down the school, requirements and how those things translate to the United States yourself.

Transfer:
If you decide to move to a standard, offline education setting after beginning an online program, only credits earned at a nationally accredited schools will transfer. For you, this can mean dollars as well as time wasted. If your credits do not transfer, you will be required to repeat the classes or simply begin fresh.

Employment:
As word of degree mills and degree scams becomes known, employers have begun checking prospective employees' resumes more closely. This includes calling the schools listed to verify student attendance, and checking the school against one of many databases available for just this purpose. National accreditation gives you and your employer confidence in your degree and in your skills. If an employer does not believe you degree is legitimate you may be offered a lower salary (if the degree was not a requirement for the job) or you may be denied employment. Governmental jobs will not give you a second look if you submit a degree or certificate bearing the seal of an unaccredited school and you may be labeled as a scammer or dishonest.

The list of accredited online and distance learning programs is large, with lots of room for choices. When searching for online schools, your first consideration should be the school's accreditation status. The best places to check your school's status are the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), and the National Accreditation and Certification Board.