* Credibility of the Degree/Diploma: An accredited degree or diploma holds more weight with employers and other educational institutions. It signifies that your education meets nationally recognized standards.
* Transferability of Credits: Credits earned at an accredited institution are more likely to transfer to other accredited colleges and universities if you decide to continue your education.
* Eligibility for Financial Aid: Many federal and state financial aid programs require students to attend accredited schools to be eligible for loans, grants, and scholarships.
* Licensing and Certification: For some professions, graduation from an accredited program is a requirement for licensing or certification.
* Quality Assurance: Accreditation provides a level of assurance that the school maintains high standards in teaching, curriculum, facilities, and student support services.
How to check if a school is accredited:
* Check the school's website: Most accredited schools prominently display their accreditation status and the accrediting agency on their website.
* Contact the school directly: If you can't find the information online, call or email the school's admissions office.
* Search the database of accrediting agencies: Organizations like the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in the U.S. and similar bodies in other countries maintain databases of recognized accrediting agencies. You can search these databases to verify the legitimacy of a school's accreditation. This is particularly important because there are some fake accreditation agencies.
In short, before enrolling in any school, especially for higher education, it is *absolutely essential* to verify its accreditation. Failing to do so could result in a worthless degree, wasted time and money, and missed opportunities.