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Plan and Protect Your Career—Keep Learning
reimbursement. Tuition costs are comparable to those of traditional college campus institutions. Other large distance learning institutions you may have heard of include DeVry University, Westwood College, Walden University, and Kaplan University.
Beware of “Diploma Mills”
While distance learning opportunities are expanding, so are the “diploma mills” or “degree mills” that offer degrees with little or no studying required in exchange for a fee. The reputable schools are accredited, while the “diploma mills” are not.
If you’re considering enrolling in training “at a distance,” you’ll want to find out as much about the school and the coursework as possible. To find out if the school’s accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, visit www.ed.gov and take a look at the List of Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies. To find out if the school is operating legally, contact the state licensing agency using the Directory of Higher Education Officials.
Typically, “diploma mills” are more interested in taking your money than giving you a quality education. Information about how to avoid these types of schools can be found at:
• U.S. Department of Education: www.ed.gov/students/prep/ college/diplomamills/index.html
• Oregon Student Assistance Commission: www.osac.state.or.us/ oda/diploma_mill.html
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation: www.chea.org
Is Distance Learning Right For You?
Because distance education programs allow you to work in the con-