What is Accreditation and Why Does it Matter?

Accreditation is a way of helping institutions evaluate and improve their overall performance. Although the government does not employ any accrediting agencies, the Department of Education gives credence to several different boards of accreditation. These independent groups set forth standards and guidelines which schools must meet in order to allow their students to apply for federal financial aid, transfer their credits, or receive a degree that prepares them for the competitive job market.

By accepting accreditation status from a recognized accreditation organization, a college, university or other educational institution agrees to uphold the standards of quality set forth by the accreditation organization. They must also agree to periods of review.

Steps in the Accreditation Process - Why Does Accreditation Matter?

Steps in the Accreditation Process

There are several primary steps that must be followed in order for the educational institution to receive accreditation. These include:

• Preparation involves the college or university effectively displaying the institution's accomplishments. They must also create a written report of their accomplishments according to the standards set by the accreditation organization.
• Peer reviews must be conducted, involving an intensive review by the faculty as to the general workings of the institution.
• A visit and examination must be conducted. The visiting team is often comprised of peers and members of the public who volunteer their time due to a strong interest in the quality standards of higher education.
• Judgment – Once the previous steps are completed, the accreditation organization asks their commission to review the steps and affirm or deny accreditation status for the institution under scrutiny.
• Continuous reviews must be agreed to and performed on a rotating basis every few years. This is done to ensure that the accredited education institution continues to maintain the required accreditation standards.

Accreditation is the tool used in the United States and around the world to monitor, assess, and evaluate the standards and quality of the education a student receives at a college, university, or other institution of higher learning. The benefits of obtaining accreditation are that it symbolizes an internationally recognized mark of quality. This distinction is an external recognition of the school's commitment to quality. It is a framework and support system to help meet local, state, national, and international requirements and is an opportunity to gain valuable input and support from peers. Accreditation is also viewed as an assurance that the educational institution is engaged in regular reviews and is dedicated to continually improving their quality.

If an educational institution does not receive accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency, students do not qualify for any government-sponsored financial aid. The majority of employers who offer tuition assistance will not be able to reimburse the tuition costs from an institution that does not have accreditation. In addition, course credits only transfer from institutions that are nationally accredited. When exploring options for attending graduate school, it is imperative that a student obtains their education from an undergraduate institution that is accredited. Without this distinction, the student's classes, credits, and even their degree will not be considered as a fulfilled prerequisite for most graduate programs.

Finally, a degree from a non-accredited university will not help you in the job market. Employers generally do not trust degrees that are not from accredited universities because they have no way of knowing if the school taught you the skills necessary to do a good job in the working field. Many offer diplomas based on past job experience, or simply you handing over a large amount of money. In the end, it is in your future's best interest to seek out a program that has been approved by a viable accrediting agency.

 

Article Resources:  

UCEA Directory
CHEA
Higher Education Commission
Peterson's Online Planner