Accreditation Information for Online Bachelor's Degrees

Choosing an online bachelor's degree program is a significant step. Accreditation is a key factor in determining the quality and credibility of a program. This resource provides information to help you evaluate accreditation and make an informed decision about your online education.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process of external quality review used by higher education institutions to scrutinize colleges, universities, and specific programs for quality assurance and improvement. Accreditation signifies that a program or institution meets defined standards of educational quality. There are two main types of accreditation:

• Institutional Accreditation: Evaluates the overall quality and integrity of an institution. It looks at the mission, governance, resources, and effectiveness of the entire college or university.
• Programmatic Accreditation: Assesses specific degree programs within an institution, such as nursing, engineering, or business. This type of accreditation verifies that the program meets the standards of its profession or field.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation is valuable for several reasons:

• Quality Assurance: It indicates that the institution or program meets established quality standards.
• Transfer Credits: Accredited institutions are more likely to accept transfer credits from other accredited schools.
• Financial Aid: Accreditation is often a requirement for eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
• Career Prospects: Many employers prefer to hire graduates from accredited programs, and some professions require graduation from an accredited program for licensure or certification.
• Further Education: Acceptance into graduate programs often requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Types of Accreditation Bodies

Accreditation bodies can be categorized as either regional or national.

• Regional Accreditation: Historically, regional accreditation focused on institutions within a specific geographic region. These accreditors typically have higher standards and are more widely recognized. The main regional accrediting bodies include:

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

• National Accreditation: National accrediting agencies typically focus on vocational, technical, or career-related programs. While legitimate, they may not be as widely recognized as regional accreditors.

How to Verify Accreditation

Before enrolling in any online bachelor's degree program, it's important to verify its accreditation status. Here's how:

1. Check the Institution's Website: Accredited institutions will usually prominently display their accreditation information on their website, often in the "About Us" or "Accreditation" section.
2. Contact the Accreditation Agency: Verify the institution's accreditation status directly through the accrediting agency's website. Each regional and national accreditor maintains a directory of accredited institutions.
3. Use the U.S. Department of Education Database: The U.S. Department of Education provides a database of accredited institutions and programs.
4. Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): CHEA is a national organization that recognizes accrediting bodies. You can search their website (https://www.chea.org/) to verify if an accrediting agency is recognized.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be cautious of institutions that exhibit any of the following characteristics:

• Guaranteed Job Placement: Promises of guaranteed job placement after graduation are often a sign of a diploma mill.
• Accreditation from Unrecognized Agencies: If the institution claims accreditation from an agency not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA, it may not be legitimate.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Avoid institutions that pressure you to enroll quickly or offer significant discounts for immediate enrollment.
• Lack of Transparency: If the institution is unwilling to provide detailed information about its curriculum, faculty, or accreditation status, it may be a scam.
• Name Resembles Well-Known University: Be wary of institutions with names that are very similar to those of established universities, especially if they are located in different locations.

Obtaining a Bachelor's Degree: Additional Considerations

Beyond accreditation, there are other important factors to consider when choosing an online bachelor's degree program:

• Program Curriculum: Evaluate the program's curriculum to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals.
• Faculty Credentials: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty members teaching in the program.
• Student Support Services: Determine what types of support services are available to online students, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
• Technology Requirements: Make sure you have the necessary technology and internet access to participate in the online program.
• Program Format: Consider the program's format, such as synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) learning, and choose a format that fits your learning style and schedule.
• Cost and Financial Aid: Compare the tuition costs of different programs and explore available financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans.