The Department of Education recognizes the accreditation of selected agencies for online schools.
With the proliferation of online education, the Department of Education has accepted responsibility for influencing and guiding institutions that provide online degree and certificate-granting programs. In addition to warning students about the problems that a "diploma mill" can cause to their future (and bank account), the Department of Education has set a system in place to monitor online learning programs and protect the people who rely on them.
Accrediting Agencies
The United States Department of Education works with various accrediting agencies to ensure that online institutions of higher learning providing a quality education receive proper recognition. The federal office relies on these agencies to set the criteria and standards that will grant the online universities accreditation.
Examine Institutions
United States Department of Education recognizes the credentials of 18 agencies (see Resources) that grant accreditation to educational institutions such as junior colleges, undergraduate programs at universities and graduate programs at universities. All of these agencies review the online distance-learning programs that these institutions offer, in addition to the institutions' on-site programs, when considering the institution’s credentials.
Reviews
The Department of Education relies on accreditation agencies to review each institution and its programs to ensure that the training and education that it provides will meet the standards of high-quality education that the Department of Education expects. The accrediting agency reviews each institution’s instructors, facilities, equipment, coursework and supplies, for both on-site and online classes.
Benefits
Students who study in accredited institutions may apply for federal financial aid. Many employers expect applicants for employment to obtain a degree or certification from an accredited institution. In addition, accredited institutions will only accept transfer students from institutions that also have accreditation.
State Laws
Some states have passed legislation making it illegal for an individual to use a degree from an unaccredited institution unless the state’s licensing agency grants approval to the institution. This legislation holds true for online degree programs as well as degree programs where the learning takes place on-site. Students should review the policies of their state’s Department of Education to find out their state’s policy.
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