| Are you considering getting your college degree | | | | officially accredited college. And you may find that |
| online? But not sure how you can tell if the college | | | | certain employers won't accept the degree, and |
| offering the degree is legitimate? | | | | therefore won't hire you. |
| Online courses and online degree programs continue | | | | Here are the six regional accrediting agencies |
| to grow in popularity. But just because they are | | | | recognized by the U.S Department of Education. If |
| popular, and just because the name of the college | | | | your college is listed, get out the books and start |
| sounds good, does not necessarily make them | | | | studying! |
| legitimate. | | | | - New England Association of Schools and Colleges |
| On the other hand, just because you have not heard | | | | (NEASC) Accredits schools in Connecticut, Maine, |
| of a college does not mean it is not completely | | | | Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and |
| legitimate. | | | | Vermont. |
| The Internet has transformed the way students | | | | - North Central Association of Colleges and Schools |
| learn, and the way you can get a degree. You can | | | | (NCA) Accredits schools in Arkansas, Arizona, |
| earn a degree from virtually any college in America | | | | Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, |
| without ever stepping foot on campus. But that | | | | Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, |
| means you need to make sure the time, effort, and | | | | Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, |
| money you put into earning your college degree is | | | | West Virginia, and Wyoming. |
| worthwhile. | | | | - Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges |
| So, how can you tell if the college offering the | | | | (MSCHE) Accredits schools in Delaware, the District |
| degree is legitimate? | | | | of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, |
| By checking the college's accreditation. | | | | Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
| Make sure that the college you are considering is | | | | - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| accredited by one of the six regional accrediting | | | | (SACS) Accredits schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, |
| agencies recognized by the U.S Department of | | | | Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South |
| Education. These agencies grant public and private | | | | Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. |
| universities their accreditation. | | | | - Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Unfortunately there are many accrediting agencies | | | | (WASC) Accredits schools in California, Hawaii, and |
| that are not "official". And while colleges accredited | | | | the Pacific Basin. |
| by these unofficial agencies may still provide you with | | | | - Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| a quality education, you won't be able to obtain | | | | (NWCCU) Accredits schools in Alaska, Idaho, |
| Federal Financial Aid or transfer your credits to an | | | | Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. |