Accreditation is the key check when you pick an online school. It means an independent agency has reviewed the school’s teaching, support, and finances against set standards. Skip this check and you risk a degree employers will not respect.
Two types matter. Institutional accreditation covers the whole school. Programmatic accreditation covers a specific program, such as business or nursing. Check both when your field has its own accrediting body.
Accreditation affects credit transfer and aid. Credits move more easily between accredited schools. In the United States, federal student aid generally requires accreditation by a recognized agency, so confirm this if you plan to apply for aid.
Verify claims yourself. Use the U.S. Department of Education’s database of accredited institutions, and check the accrediting agency’s own member list. Be cautious of schools that say ‘accredited’ without naming the agency, or that pressure you to enroll fast.
Continents International University (St. Louis, Missouri) was granted IACBE candidacy in July 2024, with the candidacy period running through July 31, 2029. Its master’s programs are described on the university site as affordable, but confirm current tuition directly with the school.
Learn more: read why accreditation matters and what IACBE accreditation means for universities. Check the accreditation requirements for universities and read about the university’s IACBE candidacy.
