Before taking any online class, it is important to research a school’s accreditation. Accreditation is a way to rank schools (both online and offline), certifying that you’ll get a good education. In essence, this is quality control for schools. To be accredited, schools must achieve certain standards, so you know that when you attend this school, you aren’t just getting a diploma because you gave them money. These so-called diploma mills don’t provide you with the training you need for your career and are instead just an easy way to avoid education but still pad a resume.

Why does Accreditation Matter?

If you want to be successful in your career, you need an education that trains you properly. If a school’s requirements for graduation are lax, chances are that they won’t be able to receive accreditation. You might have an easier college experience, but easier isn’t always better. Students who claim to have a degree but then demonstrate no knowledge or skills are often fired or never hired in the first place.

Accreditation also helps potential employers legitimize your education. At one time, most employers put someone with an online degree in the same category as someone with just a high school diploma. Today, employers are more open-minded, but you’ll be a better candidate in their eyes if you went to an accredited school.

In addition, you won’t qualify for most types of financial aid if you don’t attend an accredited school.

Who Accredits Schools?

There are a number of organizations that accredit schools. These agencies, in most cases, work within a certain region or specialty, and are nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education. Accrediting agencies include:

• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
• Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
• Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
• Council on Occupational Education
• Distance Education and Training Council Accrediting Commission
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education
• Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• New York State Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
• North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Accreditation Commission
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

There are also a number of even more specialized schools that accredit certain types of programs (like dental schools or education-related degree programs). You can see a full list of agencies approved by the government to accredit online programs here.

Is My School of Choice Accredited?

There are over 3,000 online schools and degree programs, so it can be difficult to wade through the available information to find out if they are accredited and, if so, by what agencies. Elearners.com lists over 100 accredited programs, and you can also check specifically with accrediting agencies to find out which online programs are legitimate.

Are Non-Accredited Classes Useful at All?

Just because a school isn’t accredited doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have any value for you. There are two basic types of non-accredited course – those that are diploma mills and don’t qualify for accreditation and those that take a different approach to education and never sought accreditation. The former will only waste your time. You pay them your “tuition,” and they basically give you a diploma. There’s a good reason they aren’t accredited.

On the other hand, some course can supplement your education greatly. Just because a class isn’t accredited doesn’t mean that it can’t teach you anything. Before you spend time or money on a class that isn’t accredited, do some research to learn what past students are saying, what work will be required in the class, and who will teach the class. If you’re having trouble with a class you’re currently taking or simply want to improve your skills to make yourself more marketable on your resume, a non-accredited class could fill that spot in your life.

Whether a class is accredited or not, always do your research to ensure that you’re choosing the right school for you. Whether you’re choosing an online school or offline school, there are many factors to consider. Every student is different when it comes to educational needs, so take the time to really research the online schools you’re considering.