If you're thinking about going to college as an adult, chances are that you have lots of questions. One of the biggest questions on your mind may be how to tell if a school is legitimate. You've probably heard of diploma mills, those online programs that are just out to get your money and don't offer a legitimate degree. They do exist and plenty of innocent people fall for their scams.
Accreditation
To be sure that your school is official, you'll want to look into its accreditation. Accreditation simply means that the school has been thoroughly examined and recommended by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. There are six such accrediting agencies that are the most recognized. This article from Distance-Education.org goes into further detail on accrediting bodies. What's important to know is that these agencies verify everything from individual programs, financial aid, advising, tutoring, and admissions to make sure that schools receiving their seal of approval are meeting the needs of their students.
The Process
When I was a community college academic adviser, my school went through an accreditation evaluation by The Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. The professionals who made up this group were people with years of experience in academia. They spent an entire week at our school, speaking with students, faculty, and staff and covered each department and service with a fine tooth comb. At the end of the week, we were given a brief on the committee's findings. I can assre you that any school with accreditation from a legitimate source is providing a recognizable degree.
Where To Start
As a place to start, you can check the Department of Education's database of accredited institutions to see if your school of interest is listed. There is a disclaimer on the stie saying that students must do their own due diligence in researching schools, as situations may change or a school may have missed making the list. Just be sure to ask questinos of admissions representatives about accreditation, then research the accrediting body they've provided. If they aren't able to give you a straight answer or stumble in any way, beware. The Distance-Education.org article I mentioned earlier gives a very thorough list of fake accreditation agencies as well as a list of legitimate ones. Be sure to check it out. You can also check this directory from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for specific program accrediting agiencies, though it's quite thorough and involved.
Good luck in your search for the college or university that best meets your needs. Don't let the issue of accreditation overwhelm you. Simply by asking questions, doing some research, and following your instincts, you'll be able to find a school that works for you. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions!
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