1. Check the Accreditation Status:
* U.S. Department of Education (ED): The ED's website (www.ed.gov) is a primary resource. Search their database for the institution's name. This will tell you if the school is accredited by a recognized agency.
* Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): CHEA (www.chea.org) is a non-profit organization that recognizes accrediting agencies. Check if a school's accreditor is listed on CHEA's website. This is a crucial step, as accreditation from a non-recognized agency is essentially worthless.
* Accrediting Agency Websites: Once you identify an accrediting agency (through the ED or CHEA), go directly to their website. Look for a list of accredited institutions.
2. Look for Regional and National Accreditation:
* Regional Accreditation: Generally considered the most prestigious, regional accreditation signifies that a school meets rigorous standards set by an agency that oversees institutions within a specific geographic region. This accreditation is usually required for federal student aid eligibility and often makes it easier to transfer credits.
* National Accreditation: National accreditation is also legitimate but is generally less stringent than regional accreditation. Some national accreditors are more reputable than others, so check their standing with CHEA.
3. Use Reputable Online Resources:
* Peterson's: Peterson's (petersons.com) provides information on colleges and universities, including online programs.
* U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report (usnews.com) regularly publishes rankings of online programs and colleges. While rankings should be considered with caution, they can provide a starting point for your research.
* Colleges and Universities' Websites: Look at the websites of established universities and colleges – many offer fully online degrees and programs.
4. Be Wary of Red Flags:
* Unaccredited or "Accredited" by an Unrecognized Agency: This is a huge red flag. Avoid any school that claims accreditation without verifiable proof from the ED or CHEA.
* Aggressive Sales Tactics: Legitimate schools don't need to pressure you into enrolling. Be wary of institutions that aggressively solicit you or guarantee job placement.
* Unrealistic Promises: Beware of schools promising unrealistically easy programs or quick paths to high-paying jobs.
* High Tuition Costs with Little Transparency: Review the detailed cost breakdown before enrolling.
In short: Always verify accreditation independently through the Department of Education and CHEA before considering any online school. Don't rely on the school's claims alone. Thorough research is essential to avoid scams and ensure you're investing in a legitimate and valuable education.