Accreditation in Online Education: How to Ensure Your Degree Is Valuable

online degree
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In today’s busy life, it is quite hard for college students to manage part-time or full-time work responsibilities, tons of homework, never-ending deadlines, or some family obligations while pursuing the degree.

Online education can be a great solution for those who may not be able to afford the high cost of attending university. Some people who cannot afford university tuition are forced to use some fake high school transcript maker or another fake diploma tool. Since there are so many legitimate and affordable online degree options available now, there is no need to use these methods. Not only is there an abundance of websites offering virtual learning opportunities, but many traditional educational institutions are making their courses available online as well. Online degrees are a great way to gain a quality education without spending huge sums of money on tuition fees and textbooks.

Luckily, entering an online university will make it easier and, in some cases, less expensive to get a diploma. By the way, by turning to specialists at Essaypro, where you can ask “someone to write my essay for me,” you will also save money and time, since they deliver affordable and fast services. Online education is fairly robust, as it offers plenty of cool features. However, not all online degrees are valuable.

Photo by Lewis Keegan on Unsplash
Photo by Lewis Keegan on Unsplash

This article will guide you on the main factors to consider in an online degree. Also, you will find out why accreditation plays a vital role when choosing an online university.

Value of Online Education

Entering an online college can be appealing as it gives you:

  • more free time
  • a flexible schedule
  • increased course variety
  • personalized education

In addition, there is no need to be physically present during classes, so you can earn a degree from a university in another state or across the country.

Many of students are wondering if online diplomas are as valuable as traditional college degrees or, for instance, how they will affect future a graduate’s chances of employment. There are several factors that impact the value of online degrees.

Access to Resources

One of the main factors you should take into account before applying to an online university is access to resources. You need to define how much access students have to the course’s digital resources and the range of available resources.

The key fact is that learning should never be passive, especially in the case of online education. That’s why tools and technology that enable the application of concepts learned, engagement, and collaboration with students and faculty are essential when pursuing a degree.

A good uni will provide you with the same level of access to university materials and services which are:

  • career advice
  • library resources
  • student experience teams
  • communication with module leaders

Networking

The best place for meeting like-minded people with whom you can share bright ideas and thoughts and make contacts is college. That’s why people who are earning a degree online should have the same privilege as on-campus students, which is being part of a community where they can share similar industry and/or professional interests.

You need to search for a college focused on peer-to-peer interaction. That way, you’ll build a network that’s of value to your professional development. Typical networking opportunities are student discussion forums, group work, or synchronous sessions.

Retention, Graduation, and Job Placement

When applying to uni, you might come up with the following questions:

  • Can the institution provide insight into job placement rates?
  • How long does it take to complete the program?
  • What is the program’s retention rate?

You need to do your own research so that you see if the uni has any problems with aspects crucial for student success, such as program quality, delivery, engagement, and so on.  If a lot of students in the program are not completing it, this educational institution is a potential red flag.

When thriving in an online program, besides the retention rate, you need to take into account the time it takes to graduate. Hence, you need to search for data regarding the post-graduation success of students. By receiving the information about graduates who found a well-paid job as a result of their degrees, you will define if the uni is worth applying to.

The Cost of the Degree

When looking for the right uni, It is important to compare its economic value to ensure you are getting the most return on your investment. Some students still believe that more expensive degrees from prestigious institutions provide better learning and employment outcomes, which is quite not true. However, it’s not always guaranteed, just like not all low-cost colleges deliver low-quality education.

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The University’s Credibility

Last but not least is the credibility of the university. Obtaining a degree from a university without accreditation will be a waste of time and money.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation plays a vital role when looking for an online program since it ensures that the course you study and the degree you earn is recognized as an achievement. At the same time, it will show that your degree comes from a high-quality uni.

Accreditation will give you peace of mind that you’ve applied to a great college, and that the education you are paying for will result in higher chances of getting a job with a reasonable salary.

The first thing most employers take into account when reviewing your resume is your degree and if you have earned it from an accredited online college or program. Unfortunately, if you have a degree from a non-accredited college, there is no way you will find a suitable well-paying job. Employers might not even consider your application.

Furthermore, receiving financial support is only available for students of accredited schools. No doubt, education is not cheap nowadays, so if you want to get financial assistance to afford your studies, apply to an accredited institution.

Among all types of accreditations, regional one is the most common and is often reserved for non-profit schools. It is bestowed by one of several regional accrediting organizations:

  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

To Sum It Up

When looking for an online college, we recommend you follow these tips to be sure you apply to the best educational institution and pursue a valuable degree.

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