Institutes that do not have such regional accreditation can exist legally by meeting the state requirements, and are known as "state licensed" or "state approved" universities. States also exempt institutes with a religious charter that offer theological degree programs.

American universities holding Regional Accreditation will normally only accept students or faculty from similarly accredited universities, or holding qualifications from US DoEd-recognized accrediting bodies. DETC-accredited qualifications can also be acceptable, but this may vary program by program.

So, in the US environment, your choice is between:

1. an instituteor course with accreditation recognized by the US DoEd (i.e. the six regional bodies and the Accrediting Commission of the DETC) 2. a state-licensed or state-approved (as in California) university meeting state requirements but not holding recognized accreditation 3. a university with a religious exemption from state licensing 4. an institute/organization with other than the above.

Selection of an American program must be made carefully by the prospective student, depending on the use to which the earned qualification will be put. In general terms, a degree from a university with DoEd recognized accreditation will be the wisest choice in terms of acceptability and transferability.

Benefits of Accreditation

Accreditation eases the transition of students as they move from one accredited school to another. The regional nature of accreditation allows a receiving school in the same or another state to assess the quality of a sending school and accept the incoming student's credits and academic record. This ease of transfer applies across the nation through reciprocal agreements between the regional accrediting agencies.

Students also benefit through eligibility to apply for federal grants or scholarships, or to seek admission to colleges, technical schools or military programs that require students to come from regionally accredited schools. Accreditation assures the general public that accredited schools are focused on student achievement, and on providing an efficient, effective and enriching learning environment. Accreditation extends across state lines, assuring students, parents and the public that a given school adheres to high quality standards based on the latest research and successful professional practice.

Educators gain access to a network of schools within their region for the sharing of best practices and professional knowledge. Through the accreditation process educators at all levels can achieve deserved recognition for demonstrating their ongoing commitment to quality, and to the success for their students.

American State-Licensed Universities

Many students find that US state licensed or approved programs can meet their objectives, since costs are low in comparison, programs are highly accessible (usually with no residency requirements) and courses tend to be vocationally-biased towards "degree completion" for adults, including credits for work experience.

'Diploma Mills'

A diploma mill (or degree mill) is often defined as an illegal institution that grants bogus degrees in exchange for money, and without requiring the student to show proof of course mastery, or to do any substantive coursework or testing.

Diploma mills should be reported to the appropriate authorities (such as a local government education agency). They not only do great harm to their "graduates", and to society in general, but also give legitimate alternative and non-traditional education a bad name. With the advent of the Internet, diploma mills have been appearing more frequently.

An inferior school operating just inside the law can also be a poor choice, since although the institute may not be a diploma mill according to the above definition, the degree awarded may not be held in high regard.

Accreditation of some of the schools listed by CollegeDegreeGuide.com:

American Intercontinental University:
     Southern Assn of Colleges and Schools
Aspen University:
    DETC Accrediting Commission
Baker College:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
Capella University:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
Ellis College:
    DETC Accrediting Commission
Colorado Technical University:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
DeVry University:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
Jacksonville University:
    Southern Assn of Colleges and Schools
Jones International University:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
Keller Graduate School of Management:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
Norwich University:
    New England Assn of Schools and Colleges
Regis University:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
St Leo University:
    Southern Assn of Colleges and Schools
University of Phoenix:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools
Western International University:
    North Central Assn of Colleges and Schools