Education Articles from College Matching Service

Regardless of what some websites or online colleges ask you to believe, accreditation is very important because it ensures that an institution meets or exceeds an established set of educational standards. As a result, courses from an accredited online college are most likely to be transferable to other colleges and universities, and degrees from an accredited college are far more likely to be valued by both your current employer and prospective employers considering you for a position. Online education can move you ahead in your career, but only if you attend a credible, accredited college or university.

Beware of accreditation claims. Many questionable “accrediting agencies” exist. Some are outright frauds, offering “accreditation” to any institution willing to pay a fee. In fact, operators of some well known degree mills also run these so-called accrediting agencies. State licensure, by the way, generally means little more than a minimal investment in assets and/or registration as a business entity. While most colleges offering online education are wholly legitimate, beware of those that are not…many exist. Your safest bet is to trust only accrediting agencies approved by the United States Department of Education. Be sure that the colleges and the degree program(s) you are considering “fit” with your long range educational plans. For example, if you are thinking about enrolling in an online associate degree program and later hope to earn a bachelors degree (online or on campus), find out how likely it is that your associate degree coursework will transfer by asking for a list of colleges which have accepted such credits.