Online distance learning can be the ideal route for students to get back into education. Many who are older and have other work or family commitments don’t want the hassle of attending an actual school. Traditional degree courses can also be exceptionally expensive when you factor in extra costs for accommodation, travel, and course materials. The problem is that with so many websites promising affordable degrees online, it’s hard to know who to trust. Students want a low-cost solution, but they also deserve the same high-end university experience and a recognized qualification. That’s why it’s so important to look out for accredited colleges and courses in distance learning. So, why is accreditation so important, and how can you pick out the untrustworthy, unaccredited schools from the desirable accredited ones? Here are some tips on the red flags and green flags to look for.
Is Accreditation Essential?
It depends on what you plan to do. Vocational and STEM careers tend to require accredited degrees to get a good position outside of school. Other courses, which are chosen more for personal development and fun, don’t have to. However, there is a better chance of a quality degree program from expert tutors with an accredited program at a high-end university. Also, if you try to transfer credits to other colleges later on, they may not accept credits from non-accredited sources.
Can You Get An Accredited Degree On A Budget?
Yes, it is possible to find affordable courses at top universities. You might feel inclined to learn about the smaller names offering cheap deals because they seem more affordable in the short term. The problem is the lack of long-term value and the risk of additional costs. Respected universities can provide a better experience and career prospects. They also have the power to provide financial support for those who need it.
Red Flags For Cheap Unaccredited Online Colleges
The biggest concern is when there is no sign that the college and its courses are accredited in any form. It should be easy to find on their website. If not, they may be an agency that’s not recognized by the CHEA or ED. At this point, you have to ask why that’s the case. Some schools will insist that accreditation is pending, but that might not be true.
Another warning sign is when the promotional material feels scammy. Official academic literature and prospectuses have a professional feel to them. You can tell from the language that they are looking to attract students with educational goals and a desire to learn, not just a desire to get a qualification. The illegitimate colleges will focus on overselling the potential of the university as a money-making tool. They’ll talk about how quickly students achieve their degrees, how no one ever fails, and how much alumni now earn. If the landing page sounds like someone trying to sell a timeshare in Florida, run away. Another way to be sure of a scam is to look at the specific page for the course – assuming there is one. There should be a clear breakdown of the modules, credit requirements, and the type of assignments or coursework needed. Again, if you see something that says there are no official assessments, just marks for basic assignments, run away.
A final massive red flag comes when you’ve never heard of the university. Some low-key colleges are legit, and it’s always worthwhile doing some research into a school’s background. However, there are too many sites where there’s no sign that it’s even a legitimate university. The landing page promises courses and qualifications but provides no address for an actual institution. The worst cases come from people offering online courses to learn the secrets of their trade rather than providing a legit course. These money-making schemes offer no value and can be costly.
Green Flags For Affordable Accredited Online Colleges
First of all, you’ll find the courses are tied to legitimate accreditors with clear proof. The university will proudly highlight its accreditation from leading agencies on its website and state whether specific courses qualify. You should also be able to back this up by looking up the course on the website of the accrediting body. If it all matches up, you should be fine.
From there, you will also find these approved courses come from legitimate universities that offer distance learning alongside other programming. There are some online-only schools out there that are great because they are so focused on distance learning for adult education. They are worth checking out. Yet, there is something special about getting an accredited online degree from a prestigious university. There are big names in affordable accredited online colleges that do great work. Their courses are derived from other programs and contain a lot of the same content.
Finally, there’s the chance for that high-value course, at an affordable rate. These colleges will be a lot more expensive, regarding tuition and resources. Students can go into debt here as with the traditional route. However, the best colleges are in a position to help out. They can provide a full academic calendar of studies and modules while still providing financial support as needed. These systems are generally means-tested, and those on lower incomes can gain the most help. Still, there’s no harm in asking an accredited online school about grants for certain expenses. Some will give out free laptops or help with the cost of one.
Find An Accredited College That Meets Your Needs
Once you’ve narrowed down some choices for respected accredited schools, you can start comparing them in more detail. Naturally, the course content and the skills learned are at the top of the list of priorities. Still, you should look at how the schools conduct their online courses, if there are set enrollment dates, and any additional perks of being a graduate from that institution. It is possible to get an affordable education at an accredited school and see the value. It’s certainly more worthwhile than falling for a scam at a school with no credentials and a worthless qualification.
