The Distance Education Training Council (DETC) recently gave its website a makeover. Its updated web presence reflects this accrediting organization's growing acceptance in the world of online learning.

DETC accreditation is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Many students graduate from DETC accredited schools and go on to earn promotions and raises. By no means is the DETC an "accreditation mill."

However, DETC accreditation is not equal to regional accreditation. Many regionally accredited schools refuse to accept transfer credits from DETC accredited schools, and it can be difficult for students from DETC schools to be accepted for graduate programs at regionally accredited schools.

If you choose to attend a DETC accredited school, there is no way to ensure that your credits will be accepted at other schools. However, you can improve your chances of acceptance by choosing and later applying to a school that is a part of the Higher Education Transfer Alliance. These schools (many of which are regionally accredited) have agreed to consider transcripts from other schools in the alliance, regardless of the school's accrediting agency.