Going Back to School? Know Before You Go.

The Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC) authorizes eligible private postsecondary schools to operate in Georgia. There are specific requirements and oversight in place to help protect students, so make sure you are seeking training that is recognized by this agency in some way. This includes online-only instruction! 

Before enrolling, check whether a school is: 

• Authorized by NPEC 
• Exempt from NPEC oversight under state law 
• A public college through USG or TCSG 
• Otherwise legally authorized to operate (for example, cosmetology schools should be licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers) 

A diploma mill is a school that sells degrees or other credentials without requiring the education or training students would normally need to earn them. These organizations often award credentials quickly and may not have recognized state approval or accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education has published some guidance on this. Check out our Consumer Alerts before making any enrollment decisions.

Warning Signs to Watch For 

Be careful if a school: 

• Promises a degree in a very short time. 
• Gives academic credit based mostly on life experience. 
• Cannot clearly explain its authorization (state approval) or accreditation status.
  • If a school claims to be authorized or licensed by a state licensing board, double-check yourself. 
• Pressures you to enroll immediately. 
• Charges one flat fee for an entire degree. 
• Claims accreditation from an organization you've never heard of or not listed as a U.S. Department of Education Accreditor or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation Accreditor.
• Provides little information about classes, instructors, or graduation requirements. 
• If earning the credential sounds too easy, ask more questions. 
• Legitimate schools require students to complete meaningful coursework and demonstrate learning. 

Ask the following before you enroll.

• If the school is not part of the public systems, is the school authorized to operate in Georgia?  
  • Even online-only schools need approval from this agency to enroll Georgia students.
• Is the institution accredited? Degree programs must have recognized accreditation in Georgia. Did you know some schools have created their own accreditation bodies that appear to be very legitimate? 
• For that reason, is the accreditation it says it has recognized? 
• Will other colleges accept my credits? There is never a guarantee that credits will transfer, but credits from an unrecognized/unaccredited institution will likely not transfer anywhere. 
• Will employers recognize the degree? 
• Does the program meet any licensing requirements for my career? i.e. the Georgia Board of Nursing or the Professional Standards Commission 

Georgia requires institutions authorized to offer degree programs to maintain accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  There are accreditation bodies that are NOT officially recognized by NPEC and the federal Department of Education. Confirm with the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Examples include entry-level healthcare, skilled trades, information technology, beauty and wellness, and business.

Ask the following before you enroll.

• Is the school authorized to operate? Check our Education Directory+. 
• What skills or credentials will I earn? 
• Do employers in the field recognize the credentials? 
• What are the program's completion and job placement outcomes? 
• Are there any licensing or certification requirements for this occupation? 

NPEC does not require nondegree programs to be accredited. Being unaccredited does not mean a school is operating illegally. It does mean students should carefully research the program before enrolling to ensure it leads to the desired outcomes. 

If you believe a school is operating without approval, please check the Education Directory + to see if the institution is either "authorized" or "complete" (exempted from authorization). Report the unapproved school if you do not see it in the directory.

For information on colleges and their performance

• National Center for Education Statistics
• Federal Student Aid

For information specific to State of Georgia institutions and regulations

• University System of Georgia
• Technical College System of Georgia
• Worksource Georgia
• Georgia Independent Colleges Association
• Georgia Board of Cosmetology
• Georgia Board of Nursing
• Georgia Board of Massage Therapy
• Georgia Medical Care Foundation (CNA)
• Georgia Professional Standards Commission
• Georgia Student Finance Commission
• GAFutures
• Veterans Education and Training Division
• GA Department of Labor- Education and Training

For information specific to accreditation recognized by the United States Department of Education

• The Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
• Accrediting Agencies

For information specific to The National Association of State Administrators and Supervisors of Private Schools (NASASPS)

• NASASPS Website

For information specific to the Georgia job market

• Georgia Labor Market Explorer
• WorkSource Georgia Portal

For information regarding credential evaluation services, please visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).