Here's how to find this information:
1. Check the college's website: Reputable online colleges will prominently display their accreditation status on their website, usually in a section about accreditation or institutional information. Look for the name of the accrediting agency.
2. Use the Department of Education's Database: The U.S. Department of Education's website maintains a database of nationally recognized accrediting agencies. You can use this database to check if the college's accrediting agency is legitimate. This is crucial! Many fraudulent institutions claim accreditation they don't possess. [You'll need to search for the database; the exact URL can change. Search "Department of Education nationally recognized accrediting agencies" on Google to find the current link.]
3. Contact the Accrediting Agency Directly: Once you find the name of the accrediting agency listed by the college, go to the agency's website and verify the college's accreditation status. Most agencies have a database or search function allowing you to confirm.
4. Use a Reputable College Search Website (with Caution): Websites like Peterson's, College Navigator (National Center for Education Statistics), and others can list online colleges, but always independently verify the accreditation using steps 1-3 above. These sites are helpful for finding potential colleges but shouldn't be the sole source for validating accreditation.
Important Considerations:
* Regional vs. National Accreditation: Regional accreditation is generally considered more prestigious and widely accepted than national accreditation. Regional accreditation is specific to a geographic region of the US.
* Program-Specific Accreditation: Some programs (like nursing or engineering) require additional, specialized accreditation beyond the institution's overall accreditation. Check for this if your chosen program needs it.
* Beware of Unaccredited Institutions: Attending an unaccredited college can severely limit your job prospects and the transferability of your credits.
Don't rely solely on a list claiming to show accredited online colleges. Always do your due diligence to ensure the institution and its programs have the proper accreditation.