When judging online schools, it is important to consider academic quality. One way to determine if a school is reputable is to ask if it is accredited by a regional accreditation association.
Regional accreditation is granted by one of six U.S. regional accrediting bodies. According to The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, one of the regional accrediting bodies, regional accreditation evaluates the institution as a whole, assessing "formal educational activity" as well as governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student personnel services, institutional resources, student academic achievement, institutional effectiveness and relationships with constituencies inside and outside the institution.
