Accreditation is not only a special club for selecting colleges; it offers some functions within the educational community. Accreditation agencies facilitate in keeping a check on the values of learning programs, because there is no particular governing body which is responsible for assessing every university and educational course in the US.

Accreditation, in accordance with the Department of Education, serves to:

• Confirm that the institutions meet the standards. By calling for procedures and protocol, you can be guaranteed that a school which is accredited provides quality education.
• Assist students in identifying quality institutes. You require a trustworthy source to understand whether a school is worth paying your tuition dollars, and accreditation agencies help you out in this matter.
• Help institutions to determine, in case transfer credits are satisfactory. In case, all the institutions satisfy the same requirements, the course credits can be compared and transferred.
• Recognize institutes and programs for investing private and public funds. With the assistance of accreditation agencies, investment entities can spend their money in quality schools.
• Encourage upgrading of standards for institutes and programs. Schools can continually enhance their programs in collaboration with an accrediting body.
• Create measures for licensure and professional certification. Institutions can better prepare students licensing and certification by upgrading their curricula.

Agencies of accreditation act as defenders of education. Employers, investors, educational institutes and students can depend on the accreditation agencies to supply correct information on schools and degree courses.

Types of Accreditation?

Myths about Accreditation

Locating Accredited Colleges and Universities

Attending a non-accredited institute is cheaper than going for a school having accreditation. Then why attend an accredited school? The reason is that your future is dependent upon whether you go to an accredited school or not. You may not be able to get the quality education and training that you actually deserve if you attend a non-accredited school.

In addition, non-accredited institutions:

• Might not have the credits that are eligible for transfer to other institutes. Degree programs that are accredited only recognize credit from other programs which are accredited; therefore, taking courses at non-accredited schools will be a misuse of your time as well as your money.
• Are not eligible for financial aid. Student assistance and loans to non-accredited schools are not approved by the federal government which means that you will have to incur all the expenses of the tuition from your pocket.
• May cost you a job. Nowadays, employers care if you have attended an accredited school or not. Though they may not need you to be a graduate of Harvard, they may not give you the job if they discover that your have obtained a degree from a non-accredited institute.
• Could be a degree mill. A non-accredited school could not meet the standards that are required by the accrediting agencies. You should always make sure that you are not getting scammed before you send your money.

Non-accredited institutions cost you money, time, and your career as well. And, you will not get the quality education that you deserve.