Why is it so important to choose an accredited online university?

While the traditional, classroom-based education is not among the best learning options for students, the online education is slowly but surely growing as a trend for them. If you are among them, here is something you should take in consideration before choosing an online university. As you are interested to explore new opportunities for your online education, surely you have heard the advice to select a university and a program which are accredited. What does an accredited online university mean?

All over the world, accreditation is a major way which reassures the students and the government officials that the university is providing quality education. What accreditation specifically means? Institutional accreditation represents that an institutional accrediting agency is evaluating the entire academic institution based on its mission and based on the standards imposed by the agency which evaluates the academic institution. In this article, we will exploit the answers to some relevant questions which will help you understand why accreditation and personal education are positively correlated.

1. Does accreditation has anything to do with your personal education?

Accreditation is one important tool used to monitor and evaluate the quality standards a student receives while learning at a college, university or other higher learning institution. Of course, choosing solely an accredited university without involving yourself in the learning process will not guarantee you any success. Success comes in pair with demonstrating a high level of educational performance.

2. Does an accredited online university have an impact on receiving financial aid?

If you are thinking to submit an application for federal loans, grants, and scholarships, it is highly important to undertake the courses of an accredited university. Why? Because there are organizations, for example, as those established in the U.S – USDE and CHEA – which are reviewing accreditation organizations to see if they are using effective accrediting practices. Knowing if the scholarships, federal student financial aid funds, grants and other types of financial assistance are managed effectively and for worthwhile academic institutions and programs is a main aspect which makes them flow towards the right academic institutions and programs.

3. Will a college or a university accreditation have an impact on your future potential of getting a job?

Preponderantly, the employers are reviewing your educational history making sure that you have received your education from an accredited college, university, or program. Otherwise, your chances for future employment may suffer. States require that a college, university, or program be accredited when allowing students to acquire state licensure.

4. Should you choose a college or university which does not have an accreditation even though it interests you?

If you are interested in a college, university or program which does not have recognized accreditation, it is best to conduct an in depth research about it. When a program/ institution lacks accreditation it might mean that it does not meet yet the minimum requirements to be considered for accreditation. It is highly important to make sure, before enrolling in an unaccredited institution/ program, that what you choose can be measured for effectiveness or quality in some way other than through the standard accreditation process.