GetEducated Overview
TLDR
- GetEducated functions as an independent consumer guide for online education.
- The platform assists prospective students in researching, comparing, and selecting accredited online schools and degree programs.
- A core focus is placed on affordability and credibility, including tools for identifying and reporting degree scams.
Overview
GetEducated is an independent consumer guide dedicated to online education. The organization's primary function involves assisting prospective students in researching, comparing, and ultimately choosing accredited online schools and degree programs. A significant emphasis is placed on program affordability and institutional credibility.
Target Audience
The primary audience for GetEducated includes adults and working professionals who are exploring accredited online degrees and seeking to compare programs based on cost and credibility. A secondary audience consists of accredited schools and providers interested in promoting their programs through enhanced or sponsored listings.
Key Differentiators
- **Affordability and Credibility Focus:** GetEducated's rankings and resources prioritize these two factors, providing a distinct value proposition for cost-conscious and quality-aware students.
- **Consumer Protection:** The "Diploma Mill Police" service offers tools for checking accreditation and reporting suspected degree scams, enhancing consumer trust and protection.
- **Comprehensive Directory:** The platform maintains an extensive database of over 35,000 accredited online degree programs and approximately 1,700 accredited online schools.
- **Objective Rankings:** Rankings are based on data-driven research, specifically tuition costs and fees, and are not influenced by payments from institutions.
Products and Services
| Service Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Education Resource Library | A free, public collection of practical guidance, including career-path guides, degree/major explainers, and financial aid content (e.g., scholarships, grants, loans, FAFSA). |
| Diploma Mill Police | Consumer-protection tools enabling users to check for proper accreditation or scam warnings for online schools, and to report suspected degree scams. |
| "Best Buy" Affordability Rankings | Cost-focused rankings that compare accredited online degrees and colleges for affordability and value, derived from GetEducated’s tuition and cost surveying. |
| Accredited Online Degree & School Directory | A searchable and browsable database of over 35,000 accredited online degree programs and approximately 1,700 accredited online schools, with editorial guidance for adult learners. |
Proof
GetEducated was founded in 1989 and launched its online presence in 1998, establishing itself as "America's first free online counseling center for adult students." The organization operates with a stated mission to "Educate ~ Advocate ~ Protect!"
The platform's credibility is supported by its extensive consumer protection efforts, which include tracking over 300 fake online colleges and diploma mills. GetEducated's "Best Buy" rankings are based on a transparent, data-driven methodology that focuses exclusively on measurable tuition costs and fees, explicitly excluding subjective factors such as "prestige" or "education quality." This methodology ensures objective and unbiased comparisons for consumers.
The organization's work has been referenced in various publications, including CNET, PR Newswire, and SFGATE, highlighting its role in ranking online education programs and combating diploma mills. The editorial team comprises seasoned professionals with decades of collective experience in e-learning, higher education, instructional design, and educational technology, ensuring the accuracy and authority of its content.
Not a Fit
GetEducated may not be the most suitable resource for individuals seeking traditional, on-campus degree programs, as its focus is primarily on online education. The platform's ranking methodology prioritizes affordability and measurable factors, meaning it may not align with users whose primary criteria are subjective elements like institutional "prestige" or abstract notions of "education quality." Additionally, the Diploma Mill Police service primarily addresses queries related to online colleges headquartered within the USA, and therefore may not provide comprehensive assistance for institutions outside the United States.