Accreditation of Online College Degree Programs: Key Information

When choosing an online degree, it’s crucial to identify a legitimate program that provides valuable credentials.

Experts emphasize that accreditation serves as a primary indicator of legitimacy. This process, carried out by an external authority, verifies that a school and its specific degree offerings—whether they are in-person, online or hybrid—comply with certain quality benchmarks. While accreditation is not mandatory, it provides several benefits and typically affirms a program’s legitimacy to both other colleges and employers.

For students to qualify for federal financial aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires that schools be accredited by a “nationally recognized” accrediting agency. Barbara Gellman-Danley, president of the Higher Learning Commission, explains that accreditation represents “quality assurance.”

“The essential point is that accreditation not only links a university to federal financial aid for students and families, but it also indicates that professionals have assessed the institution and it has undergone a review process to confirm that it offers quality programs,” she states.

Here are some important insights that experts believe prospective students should be aware of regarding the accreditation of online degree programs.

Why is Accreditation Important for Online Programs?

Most employers, especially those who may not be familiar with online education, often seek to verify that a candidate’s online degree originates from an accredited program, according to experts. Moreover, because transferring credits is common among students in online learning, credits from accredited programs are more likely to be accepted by other institutions.

The risks associated with obtaining a degree from an unaccredited school can be significant. Certain industries will not recognize licensure or certification if the degree is from a non-accredited institution, Gellman-Danley points out. Credible online degree programs are accredited by agencies recognized by either the Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Terry Brown, vice president of academic innovation and transformation at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, highlights that determining a program’s legitimacy should be a top priority for prospective students.

“If students are considering an online degree program, that should be their first question: Which accrediting agency is involved? They need to ensure it’s not just ‘alphabet soup’; these agencies should be reputable in higher education,” Brown advises.

There are over two dozen institutional accrediting agencies acknowledged by CHEA and the Department of Education, in addition to many programmatic accreditors.

For students pursuing a “micro-credential,” which is a brief, targeted credential for acquiring specific skills, accreditation may be less urgent, according to Jennifer Mathes, CEO of the Online Learning Consortium, which aids institutions in establishing quality standards for online programs. Nonetheless, those students should ensure their courses lead to a valid credential or certification.

“If they aim for a full degree, it is extremely essential to verify that their program is accredited, as this is recognized by employers,” she asserts. “If an employer discovers the degree comes from a diploma mill, they won’t view it as legitimate. This is crucial.”

How Are Programs Accredited?

According to CHEA president Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, the accreditation process is “collegial and based on self-evaluation and peer-review.” It often necessitates a self-assessment where institutions must demonstrate they meet specified standards, alongside an on-site visit from a team of faculty and administrators from similar institutions and relevant field practitioners.

Schools are assessed on several criteria, which include teaching effectiveness, graduate job placement rates, institutional finances, quality of programs and faculty, student-to-faculty ratios, and governance practices. Accrediting agencies also review whether schools have a mission and strategic plan and if they adhere to these outlines, experts mention.

All these aspects are examined to determine if institutions provide “quality experiences for student success,” Jackson-Hammond adds.

Accreditors continuously oversee programs and institutions to guarantee they maintain standards. Re-accreditation occurs every few years, depending on the accrediting body, and accreditors themselves must be re-accredited by the Department of Education every five years, Gellman-Danley notes.

“We willingly participate in this accreditation process,” Brown states. “This process’s integrity is vital, and it is essential that institutions maintain control instead of it being governed by an external entity. We are invested in our own accreditation.”

What Types of Accreditation Exist for Online Programs?

Online students should confirm that their program has both institutional and program-specific accreditation, Gellman-Danley advises. Institutional accreditation covers the entire university, while programmatic or specialized accreditation pertains to individual degrees, departments, or schools—including those delivered online.

Not all programs within a university may receive programmatic accreditation, as this varies based on the institution and industry standards for the field. Gellman-Danley suggests students seek both program and institutional accreditation.

Experts assert that the quality expectations should not be lowered just because a program is online.

“It’s crucial to recognize that an institution’s online offerings must meet the same academic standards and qualities as face-to-face programs,” Jackson-Hammond explains.

However, there are specific measures that accreditors undertake to ensure that these programs cater to the specific preferences of online learners, Mathes explains. They might examine how student services are provided and how students engage with faculty.

How Can I Confirm if an Online Program Is Accredited?

Prospective students should not assume that a school is accredited simply because it presents itself well online, Brown warns. Accreditation details are typically available on an online program’s website, making it an excellent starting point for research, according to experts. “Search for the term ‘accreditation,’ and you’ll find whether or not the program is accredited,” Jackson-Hammond adds.

Experts advise caution regarding “accreditation mills,” which are organizations that provide accreditation with minimal standards. It’s essential to verify that the accreditor is recognized by CHEA or the Department of Education.

Prospective students can consult CHEA’s directory of accredited universities or check the Department of Education’s listings. They should feel comfortable seeking information about accreditation from school representatives as well, experts recommend.

Moreover, students should remain vigilant for any warning signs that may indicate the school is illegitimate or facing accreditation risk. Institutions at risk of losing their accreditation are usually required to disclose this information on their website, so prospective students should always conduct thorough research before submitting an application, Mathes suggests.

She also advises caution regarding schools that appear “predatory” and prioritize profit over student success, as these could indicate a potential scam. Most accrediting bodies closely scrutinize such characteristics, she adds.

Students enrolled in specialized fields like nursing or other healthcare programs should inquire about placement rates for practical experiences, Mathes says. Difficulty in placing students could be a “major red flag” indicating that the institution lacks community respect and is struggling.

While it is uncommon for schools to lose their accreditation, experts note that institutions are generally given ample warning to rectify any concerns beforehand. Nonetheless, they encourage prospective students to remain vigilant in evaluating potential schools and to be aware of possible warning signs.

“There are often indicators present for many institutions,” Gellman-Danley states.

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