I'm interested in taking some online courses to get ahead before college. How does the accreditation process for online colleges work? Want to make sure the credits will count if I get into the college I want.
The accreditation process for online colleges works pretty similarly to the process for traditional on-campus colleges. Accreditation is a review process that higher education institutions voluntarily go through to confirm the institution meets certain standards in delivering quality education.
There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Regional accreditation is more common and generally more prestigious. National accreditation often applies to trade and vocational schools. In both cases, the accrediting organization evaluates the college's curriculum, faculty qualifications, student resources/support, financial stability and more.
Online programs specifically may also seek accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which ensures that quality standards for distance education are met.
Transferring credits from an accredited online college to another educational institution typically isn't an issue, but it ultimately depends on the specific policies of the college you're looking to transfer to. It's always a good idea to check with the admissions department of the intended college to determine how they evaluate and award transfer credits.
Lastly, you can confirm an online college's accreditation status. The US Department of Education provides a searchable database of accredited colleges and programs. It's important to ensure the accreditation is valid, as "diploma mills" or non-accredited institutions will not provide you with a recognized degree or transferable credits.
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