Make Sure Your Online Education Counts
Online schools offer flexibility, convenience, and access to a wide range of subjects—but how can you be sure the education you’re getting is legitimate and recognized? That’s where accreditation comes in.
Understanding and verifying accreditation is an important step before enrolling in any online program. Let’s break it down in a simple, friendly way so you can make confident choices.
1. What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a review process that schools and programs go through to ensure they meet certain quality standards. An accredited school has been evaluated by a recognized authority and found to provide trustworthy education.
In short, it’s like a stamp of approval that shows the school meets educational standards.
2. Why Does Accreditation Matter?
Here’s why checking accreditation is important:
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Credibility: Accredited schools are more likely to be recognized by employers and other institutions.
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Credit Transfer: If you want to switch schools later, accredited credits are more likely to be accepted.
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Financial Aid: In many countries, government aid is only available for accredited programs.
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Peace of Mind: You’ll know you’re investing your time and money into something real and worthwhile.
3. How to Check if a School Is Accredited
Here are steps you can take to verify accreditation:
Visit the School’s Website
Legitimate online schools usually state their accreditation status clearly on their website—often in the “About” or “Accreditation” section. Look for:
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The name of the accrediting body
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A link to the accreditor’s website
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Any specific program-level accreditations
Be cautious if the school is vague or doesn’t mention accreditation at all.
Research the Accrediting Agency
Not all accrediting organizations are created equal. Make sure the agency itself is recognized. In the U.S., for example, you can verify accreditors through:
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The U.S. Department of Education (ed.gov)
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The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) (chea.org)
Both maintain directories where you can check if an accrediting agency is official and valid.
Use Official Databases
Most countries have a national education body that lists recognized institutions. Examples:
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U.S.: College Scorecard or Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions
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Canada: Universities Canada
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UK: Ofqual Register
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Australia: TEQSA National Register
Just search the school’s name in these databases to see if it’s listed.
4. Watch for Common Red Flags
Be alert to signs that an online school might not be properly accredited:
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Claims of “international” or “global” accreditation without naming the accreditor
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Degrees based only on “life experience”
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No contact information or physical address
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Pushy enrollment tactics or promises of a fast degree
When in doubt, research further or ask questions before enrolling.
5. Ask for Help if Needed
Still unsure? Contact:
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The school’s admissions or registrar office
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A college advisor or guidance counselor
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Your local department of education
It’s perfectly okay to ask questions before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Accreditation ensures your online learning is meaningful, valuable, and widely accepted. By doing a little research upfront, you’ll protect your time, money, and future goals.
Choose wisely, stay informed, and enjoy your online education journey.
