Accreditation is a voluntary process where colleges undergo rigorous evaluation by independent organizations. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes six regional accrediting agencies, which assess factors like faculty qualifications, student services, and financial stability.
For example, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversees national accreditors, while regional agencies like the Middle States Commission cover specific geographic areas.
| Type | Description | Example Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Regional | Most prestigious, covers entire regions | Middle States, WASC |
| National | Focuses on career-oriented programs | DEAC, Distance Education Accrediting Commission |
| Programmatic | Specialized accreditation for specific programs | ABET for engineering, AACSB for business |
The U.S. Department of Education reports that over 7,000 degree-granting postsecondary institutions hold accreditation, but only about 900 are nationally accredited.
Many assume all online colleges are diploma mills. However, reputable institutions like Southern New Hampshire University and Liberty University hold regional accreditation.
Another myth is that online degrees are easier. Accredited programs maintain the same academic rigor as their on-campus counterparts.
Check the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Look for the school's accreditor and ensure it's recognized.
I once researched an online college that claimed accreditation but wasn't listed. A quick search revealed it was unaccredited, saving me from wasting time and money.