News & Trends
Our resources section brings you the latest in online education.
Here you can find many programs that will make a perfect fit with
your busy schedule. Whether you are a recent high school graduate,
busy professional or military service member, we help you search for
options toward a higher degree faster!
To Consider
Today, education is for everyone. The U.S. Department of Education estimates
that 90 million individuals participate in some form of adult education each
year, including training and basic education offered outside traditional higher
education. To serve this immense market, most colleges have structured programs
and services specifically for adult learners. Forty percent of American college
students, or almost 6 million people, are 25 years of age or older.
The first step to finding the right program and type of school for you is to evaluate
your interests. A self-assessment will help you examine your interests and goals, and
offers ideas on fields of study and careers that might be right for you.
Accreditation
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is certification that the educational program(s) at a school
meet a certain level of quality. Accrediting Agencies are the independent
organizations that evaluate schools and award accreditation. The U.S.
Dept. of Education does not accredit schools. However, at www.ed.gov you will find lists of regional and national accrediting agencies recognized
by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities concerning the
quality of education or training offered by the institutions you may be
interested in.
- You might not be able to get any financial aid to help you attend the school. The U.S. Department of Education requires that schools that participate in our federal student aid programs be accredited. You also could find that your state education agency's aid programs won't pay for your attendance at unaccredited schools.
- You might not be able to transfer to another school. For instance, if you attend an unaccredited two-year school and then transfer to a four-year school to finish your education, you might have to start over again at the four-year school if it doesn't recognize the classes you took at the two-year school.
- You might not be able to compete in the job market. Many employees won’t hire a candidate with a certificate from a school they have never heard of, or know is unaccredited. Your chances of getting the job you want are slimmer if competing with someone carrying an accredited degree. Make sure to confirm that the school in which you enroll is properly accredited before you begin your education.
