ONLINE COLLEGES: The Best Online Colleges Are Accredited Colleges

By Georgia Potter


Have you been considering attending an online school but don't know how to pick the best one? Don't worry you're not alone. There are many students out there that are researching their options. Unfortunately, many of these students aren't aware about the accreditation process or what it means for colleges and universities. If you are looking for a quality online college to invest in then keep this information in mind when you are searching. And don't worry you will find the perfect school eventually!

In today's world there are a lot of scams and diploma mills out there. Ever since the 1950's when all the vets returned home from Vietnam and were going back to get an education there have been problems with phony educational programs. Fake schools and diploma mills will basically sell you a diploma, and this diploma means absolutely nothing. Luckily, scams like this are pretty easy to determine. If the establishment is trying to offer a diploma for sale, or is offering a diploma for little or no coursework, then you better be checking the school's accreditation.

Or, you could take the safe route and by doing your research before you enroll with a scam. The best way to do this is to check the accreditation. There are several accreditation agencies in the US and most online colleges are accredited regionally. Regional accreditation is based on the area where the school is located. The accreditation agency is determined by the region.

So what is accreditation?

Accreditation is a process that a school goes through. Once the accreditation agency determines that the college fits the standards that it has set, then the online college receives accreditation status. Many benefits come with accreditation. If the school is accredited, there is no chance that it is a fake. If the school is accredited there is usually more funding provided for students. (Who doesn't need financial aid these days right?) There are also many other benefits of accreditation.

Most online universities are accredited but it is good to do your research. When you are researching, make sure that it says that it is accredited and lists an accreditation agency. Some scams will still try to confuse students by saying "pending accreditation" or other things to get you to think that the school is accredited. Do your research and make sure the school you invest in is a quality one.

There are many tools out there to help you find a good college. Use the resources that are out there to help you along you way. You are now equipped with plenty of information to determine whether or not an online college is right for you. All you have to do is figure out if the online university offers the program that you are interested in and go for it! And remember the best online colleges are accredited colleges!

Georgia Potter is an author of many educational articles. As a student herself she strives to find quality information to help other students survive college. She writes about Accredited online colleges and Online colleges.