There is a growing trend in today’s busy society to pursue a college degree online. Are online schools a scam? Not all online schools are scams. You can receive a quality education online pursuing a degree with an accredited school.The number-one priority in determining if an online school is a scam is verifying its accreditation.
Identifying Scams
Manufacturing phony degrees is an old business. Be suspicious of schools that offer to give you credit for life and work experience. Most accredited online universities will give you credit only for transferring grades from another accredited school or taking college equivalency exams. If a school does not make you take classes to earn a degree, it is definitely a scam. There is no large-scale legal enforcement for prosecuting phony universities. The responsibility lies with the student to verify that the university is fully accredited.
What Is an Accredited School?
An accredited school is one that is qualified to participate in federal student aid programs, including colleges, trade or vocational schools, and schools that offer master’s degrees. Accreditation is a process designed to protect students. The school’s programs and policies are reviewed to make sure they meet certain quality standards. Make sure the accreditation is provided by a reliable source, such as the United States Department of Education. Degrees from accredited schools are accepted anywhere. It is very important to make sure your university is accredited, or you will be wasting time and money pursuing a degree.
Quality Online Schools
Online education can be a worthwhile and rewarding experience. You can obtain your degree and advance in your job while holding down a full-time job. There are many fully accredited online schools where you can receive an associate’s, bachelor’s and even a master’s degree. If expense is a concern, community and technical colleges offer alternative degrees at lower costs to the student. You may also qualify for grants, scholarships or low-cost student loans. Check with the university’s financial aid department to see which programs you may qualify for.
A Quality Example
One very highly esteemed accredited online school is the University of Phoenix, which offers physical campuses as well as an online university. Its programs are accepted by many employers. The University of Phoenix offers associate’s degrees through its sister school, Axia College. If you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree after receiving your associate’s degree, a team of counselors will help make the transition a smooth one. The University of Phoenix also offers master’s degrees. It is the largest privately owned accredited school in the United States.
Choosing Your School
Choose your school carefully. Make sure it is fully accredited through the proper channels. Never pay upfront before you are sure of the degree program being offered. Check with your employer if you are planning on obtaining a degree to advance your career; some employers offer to assist employees in furthering their education. It is also a good idea to check the student schedule before beginning classes to make sure you will have enough time to devote to class and studies. Careful planning and consideration can make pursuing a degree an investment that will have big rewards for your future.
Sources:
http://educationusa.state.gov/home/accreditation-guide
http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/
http://university.phoenix.edu/
