Home | Are Online Courses Accredited: Everything You Need to Know
Online courses can be a convenient way to further your education, but it's important to ensure that the courses you are taking are accredited. Accreditation is a process by which a school or program is evaluated by an external body to ensure that it meets certain standards of quality and rigor.
Accreditation is important because it can affect the value of the education you receive. Employers and other educational institutions may not recognize or accept credits from non-accredited programs. Additionally, accreditation can affect your eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
When considering an online course, it's important to research the accreditation status of the institution offering the course. Look for accreditation from recognized accrediting bodies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), or Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Here is a table of some commonly recognized accrediting bodies:
| Accrediting Body | Description |
|---|---|
| Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | Accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region of the United States. |
| Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) | Accredits post-secondary, non-degree-granting institutions and degree-granting institutions in the United States. |
| Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) | Accredits distance education institutions that offer online programs. |
Before enrolling in an online course, be sure to verify the accreditation status of the institution offering the course. This will help ensure that you are receiving a quality education that will be recognized by others in the future.