Accreditation

Accreditation (read the definition of accreditation) is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online college, and it may also be the most overlooked.

Accreditation n : in the U.S., a voluntary process where higher education institutions undergo an extensive review by a third party to ensure that schools and/or programs meet operating and quality standards.

Many students interested in obtaining a thorough education and legitimate degree become victims of diploma mills. After paying hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, for what they hope will help them enter the next stage of their lives, these students receive a valueless piece of paper.

Diploma mills, also known as degree mills, are mainly for-profit companies disguised as higher education institutions. Though not recognized or accredited by authorized states or agencies, diploma mills continue to print and hand out fake degrees. In exchange for a fee, a college diploma mill will provide buyers with unofficial degrees and falsified transcripts after little or no effort from the student.