Does Accreditation Really Matter?

Does Accreditation Really Matter?

The following short article is written to provide general advice about online education and degrees, not just information specific to WGU. If you have specific questions about WGU, feel free to inquire online or speak with an enrollment counselor (1-866-225-5948).

Brick-and-mortar universities, as well as online degree programs, boast about being accredited. But what does accreditation really say about a degree program? Does accreditation really matter? Yes.

Accreditation:

• Adds validity to your degree in the eyes of employers
• Tells students they are getting the best education for their money
• Means other colleges, institutions and employers “recognize” your degree.

Not All Accreditations Are Equal

A valid accreditation takes many years to obtain. Independent (non-governmental) agencies review a school in many different areas, including:

• Curricula
• Faculty
• Facilities
• Equipment and supplies
• Student support services

If you want to continue your education at an online university, you can find a list of accredited online institutions from the DETC (Distance Education & Training Council).