If a learning provider you are considering does not have data listed for any of the following characteristics please view their web page to find the most current information.
Carnegie Classification: The Carnegie Classification data is a snapshot of U.S. higher education based on data available prior to the 2000 classification. It is based on the Higher Education Directory by Higher Education Publications, Inc. This Carnegie info tells you if a learning provider is a accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (as of the 2000 Carnegie snapshot). It also tells you the level (Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral) of degree the institution is accredited to grant. Learning Providers may not be Carnegie classified for various reasons - when they are not located in the U.S., were not accredited by a "recognized" accreditor prior to the 2000 classification, or they offer professional training or continuing educational opportunities that fall outside of the scope of higher ed Carnegie Classification. More about the Carnegie Classifications. Depending on your educational goals, you should also be cautious of the growing number of 'diploma mills' which do not aspire to meet any academic standards.
Institution Type: This information categorizes the learning provider as
"for-profit" vs. "not-for-profit"(according to U.S. tax status),
"public" (when funded or controlled by a U.S. state) vs.
"private" (independent control) and other related designations for non-higher education providers.
Accreditation: We have tried to collect accurate information about the accreditation of each learning provider listed at eLearners. However, to find the most accurate information at any time, it is always best to contact the learning provider or accrediting agency directly. Depending on your goals for your e-Learning experience (credit, career advancement, lifelong-learning, etc.) the accreditation or affiliation of the learning provider you select may or may not be critical. Read a detailed summary about distance learning accreditation.
The following is a list of accrediting agencies recognized for distance education.
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology Accrediting
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
- American College of Nurse-Midwives, Division of Accreditation
- American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation
- American Dietetic Association, Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education
- American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
- American Podiatric Medical Association, Council on Podiatric Medical Education
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Occupational Education
- Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education
- Midwifery Education Accreditation Council
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior
Colleges and Universities
There are six higher education
regional accrediting agencies which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. These U.S. regional accrediting agencies are:
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Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education
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New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
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North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
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Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Colleges
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Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
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Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
Some people still believe regional accreditation is the “only” or “best” type of accreditation. This is simply no longer true. National accreditation—from a recognized agency like the DETC—has the same high standards and USDE and CHEA recognition. Distance learning schools enjoy DETC accreditation because the DETC is the oldest and most experienced distance learning institution accreditor. DETC offers many services to its member schools and is active in educating its institutions and the public about quality distance education. We believe this bias toward regional accreditation will continue to diminish with time. Read more about national and regional accreditation.
There are also many other national, professional and specialized accrediting bodies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Many other organizations provide accreditation, guidance and quality assurance roles for distance and online learning institutions, foreign learning institutions and training providers. You may also want to learn how Carnegie Classification is related to accreditation.
Institutions which do not have appropriate accreditation for their educational purpose and audience are sometimes considered to be 'diploma mills'. Read more about 'diploma mills' to inform yourself about this disturbing trend in online education.
Educational Level: This piece of information helps you understand what level of education the learning provider offers. Learning providers may offer all their learning at one level (professional training or K-12) or in the case of a higher education institution may offer learning at various levels. Obviously e-learners should consider the level of learning needed and compare it to the learning providers you that offer the appropriate subjects.
Delivery Format: The Learning Providers listed at eLearners.com all offer learning which can be completed from a distance without attending traditional "on campus" classes. Some providers we list may require a small portion of the learning in a degree or certificate program take place "on campus" to meet their educational goals. Much learning listed at eLearners can be done online, or via computer based instruction. Depending on the educational level, subject matter, and learning institution a wide range of e-Learning delivery formats are currently being used. There is no one format which is considered "best" so it is important you familiarize yourself with all of the options. Consider your needs as a learner, and pick a learning provider that uses methods which will allow you to learn effectively. You can read a lot more in our e-Learning FAQ and glossary. |
Understanding Listings 
