U.S. Department of Education Accredited Online Colleges

U.S. Department of Education accredited online colleges

Strictly speaking the U.S. Department of Education neither accredits nor endorses an educational institute. What the Secretary of Education is required to do under the law however is to publish a list of those nationally recognized accrediting agencies which are reliable authorities on a particular academic program’s quality. Since the growth of online colleges and universities offering courses online, these accrediting agencies may also accredit online colleges and their degree programs.

What do accrediting agencies do?

Accreditation means that an accredited institute, be it a traditional college/university or online, is imparting quality education.


Accrediting agencies are essentially private educational associations which have their own evaluation criteria. Educational institutes need to request these agencies to conduct their evaluation before being accredited. Only those institutes which come up to their standards are accredited. Simply put, an accredited institute is presumably imparting quality education.

Benefits of online education

Online education, especially accredited online education, offers immense benefits to a wide spectrum of people. It is especially designed for those who are professionals and do not have time to enroll in a traditional college. They may be middle to senior level managers, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors and even students with multiple jobs, who need to upgrade their skills to excel in their respective fields. Online education has tremendously helped stay-home parents in acquiring new educational skills, which are not only intellectually challenging but also financially satisfying. 

Another added advantage of online education may be that some find it cheaper than traditional education. Students may save money overall in terms of transportation and classroom supplies costs, etc. Those enrolled in online courses can study from the comfort of their own homes, plus they can make their own study schedules. In this way, they do not compromise on their work and family commitments.

By visiting our website and using the Degree Finder tool you, too, can find the best U.S. Department of Education accredited online colleges and their various courses. Once you have the accurate information it is usually easier to make the right decision.