Besides
choosing a major and a degree, students need to decide whether to
attend an accredited or nonaccredited university. To become accredited
a school must be evaluated by a national agency that is qualified to
accredit colleges. If the college meets the agency's criteria, then the
college can become accredited. The U.S. Department of Education
approves the agencies that accredit colleges, and the secretary of
education ensures that the agencies accrediting schools are legitimate.
A college that has been accredited becomes known for having met the
criteria. Colleges want to become accredited to have a better
reputation and as a mark of prestige. Nonaccredited schools are usually cheaper than accredited schools. Some students who can't afford an accredited school or aren't sure if college is right for them might decide to try a nonaccredited school. Students considering an online program should check to see if the school has been accredited. It might be necessary to contact the accrediting agency to see if the school has been approved. Just because the school's Web site says the school is accredited does not mean it really is.
Students considering attending a nonaccredited school should be aware that the credits they earn at the school might not be transferable to a school that is accredited. According to CollegeView, one of the differences between an accredited and a nonaccredited school is the type of degree that the student earns. An accredited college presents students with an associate or bachelor's degree once the student completes the program. Nonaccredited schools offer students occupational degrees. Some companies might not hire a student who has a degree from a nonaccredited school.
