What is DEAC accreditation and what are its benefits?
DEAC’s accreditation standards and accreditation evaluation and oversight process were specifically designed to meet the unique quality assurance needs of distance education institutions. The standards establish education quality expectations and assess an institution’s ability to integrate technology to meet the needs of 21st century graduates and employers. DEAC standards are designed to accommodate the need for institutions to explore learning resources and student support services beyond those of traditional campus-based institutions. Additionally, DEAC accreditation recognizes that, by meeting the unique needs of the distance learning student, course and program delivery can expand an institution’s reach beyond a regional focus to a national and international presence. When accredited distance education institutions are successful, students can benefit, regardless of geographic location, and can organize their studies to fit within personal life commitments.
Why should I consider attending an accredited institution?
Accreditation provides students with confidence that the institution offering programs ranging from high school through the professional doctoral degree and non-degree certificates has been evaluated and meets rigorous standards established by education industry professionals (detailed in the DEAC Accreditation Handbook) that:
- Observe ethical practices and procedures in the recruitment of students. An institution must comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to student recruitment.
- Issue an enrollment agreement for all enrolled students which includes information on tuition, truth-in-lending, institution policies, and refund policies.
- Employ faculty who are qualified to teach not only through credentials earned but also in a distance education learning environment.
- Make an official transcript available to students upon request in accordance with the institution’s policies.
- Utilize a policy and procedure for handling student complaints and inform students in writing of that policy and procedure.
- Maintain institutional effectiveness and strategic planning.
- Deliver program outcomes, curricula and materials at an appropriate level and rigor.
- Provide educational and student support services to assist students in meeting their educational needs and goals.
- Implement a comprehensive assessment program to monitor student achievement and satisfaction.
- Demonstrate effective leadership through qualified and experienced administrators, faculty and staff.
- Observe ethical practices in all advertising that accurately reflects institutional information and promotional materials.
- Demonstrate financial capacity and stability.
Is there financial aid available for courses taken with DEAC-accredited institutions?
Once an institution is accredited, it is eligible to participate, if it chooses to and is otherwise qualified, in a number of financial student assistance programs, which include:
- Federal Title IV student loans and grants
- The Montgomery G.I. Bill
- The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
- Military Tuition Assistance Programs for Spouses (Career Advancement Accounts) and Active Duty Army Vocational courses (AVOTEC)
Also, most DEAC institutions offer monthly tuition payment plans. Check with institutions individually for more information.
If I get a high school diploma from a DEAC-accredited institution, will it be accepted?
A high school diploma from an accredited distance education institution is comparable to a resident high school. However, if you are planning on enrolling in a college or university, please check with the institution to be certain its admissions requirements permit a distance education high school diploma.
Will the credits I receive from a DEAC-accredited institution be accepted by a traditional college or university?
Acceptance of degrees or credits from DEAC-accredited institutions is largely determined by the policy of the “receiving organization,” e.g., an employer, a college registrar, etc. DEAC accreditation is not a guarantee that credit will transfer to any college or university. Always check with the college or university that you wish to transfer your credits to before you enroll in a course.
