The #1 Risk to Students

Even if school has a campus, it may not be legitimate*. How can you be certain of a school's legitimacy?

One way to check the legitimacy of any school or program is to see if it's accredited. "[T]he practice of accreditation arose in the United States as a means of conducting nongovernmental, peer evaluation of educational institutions and programs," according to the U.S. Dept. of Education.

Diploma mills, also referred to as degree mills, are fraudulent businesses that print and sell fake degrees. Some diploma mills require students to write an independent research paper while others simply sent you send a printed diploma.

Know the Signs

Want to protect yourself? Diploma mills differ from legitimate schools in a number of ways. Read more

7 Quick-Start Careers

"[Completing my certificate program] got me in the door, but the thing that would allow me to move up was a bachelor's degree," says Robin Bundy, who completed her degree in information technology from Capella University in 2005.

Bundy was tired of her "dead-end job" and wanted to move into a more satisfying career. Shortly after graduating, she was hired as a technical support engineer and now enjoys what she does each day.

Looking for quick-start career options that don't require specialized credentials or licensure?

1. Administrative Assistant - Keep your office and team organized in this fast-paced role. The majority of employers are looking for individuals with an undergraduate degree. The median salary is $40,030*.

2. Human Resources Associate - Be the trusted liaison between employees and the organization. Starting salaries for applicants with a bachelor's degree in human resource management is $45,170*.

3. Paralegal - Support an individual lawyer or team conducting legal research and compiling information. Most employers require an associate's or bachelor's degree and salaries average $46,120*.

4. Desktop, IT Support - Maintain the vital computer systems and operations of an organization. Educational requirements vary from certification to a bachelor's degree and most in the field are paid $43,450*.

5. Personal Fitness Trainer - Work with individuals to develop physical strength and endurance. Educational requirements are minimal, typically requiring certification. The median salary is $29,210*.

6. Production Assistant - Provide multi-faceted support from pre-production to post-production. Most employers require a bachelor's degree and earn anywhere from $29,020 and $59,970*.

7. Retail Manager - Manage retail sales staff and oversee store inventory. Educational requirements vary; some employers require an undergraduate degree. The overall majority earn a median salary of $35,310* plus commissions.

Career Connection

Which degree should you choose? Find out which degree subjects can help you achieve your career goals. Read more

The #1 Reason Nurses Study Online

"Having a bachelor's degree will allow me to pursue career opportunities in nursing," says Melissa Hinson, a registered nurse who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing online from the University of Michigan in 2007.

Why did Hinson choose to study nursing online? "Working 12-hour shifts like I do as a nurse keeps me from enough of [my children's events]; adding a rigid school schedule would nearly eliminate the ability to support [them] in [their] activities."

The most popular reason adult professionals enroll in online programs is because the flexibility allows them to meet the needs of their families and jobs, according to a recent survey conducted by the Aslanian Market Research group in May 2011. The second-most popular response? Professional development.

"Obtaining my master's degree opened up more doors for me and provided me with the tools I need to create a positive social change for health issues in my community," says Joan Goudounis, a 51-year-old assistant professor of nursing in Annapolis, MD. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2007 from Walden University.

5 Nursing Careers You May Have Not Considered

What are some options after earning a master's degree in nursing? Here are five job titles that may pique your interest. Read more

Nursing 101

Need a quick, thorough resource about nursing? We've broken down the fundamentals of this rewarding career. Read more

5 Careers Requiring Specialized Accreditation

Accreditation acts like a school's seal of approval to show both you and your employer that it will provide the right knowledge and skills for the job.

Counselor - Licensure to practice as a marital and/or family therapist typically requires a counseling degree from a school whose program has been approved by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Engineer - Employers prefer those who hold an engineering degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Nurse - Clinical practice as a nurse requires completing a nursing program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Physician's Assistant - Private practices and medical facilities look for candidates whose physician assistant programs have been evaluated by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Teacher - Each state is different, but to practice as a licensed teacher, it's recommended to earn your education degree from a National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)-accredited program.

Decide With Confidence

How much do you know about accreditation? Understanding the facts can help you choose your school and program confidently. Read more