If you are studying a common academic subject (Math, English, or History, for example), your best bet is to make sure that your school is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the National Board of Education.

These are the same agencies that grant regular public and private universities their accreditation. Find out which state your online program is operating from, and then look to see what regional agency grants accreditation to that state. The following agencies are recognized as being legitimate:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Accredits schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East

North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA) Accredits schools in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) Accredits schools in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East

Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) Accredits schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Latin America

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accredits schools in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands, and other Australasian locations

Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU) Accredits schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington

If you earn a degree from an online school that is accredited by one of these associations, you can be assured that it will be as valid as a degree from any regular university. Most employers will automatically accept your degree.

If you are pursing a degree in an academic subject and the school of your choice is not accredited by one of these institutions, you may want to consider switching schools.