UNDERSTANDING ACCREDITATION
Colleges that pursue and achieve accreditation are committed to ensuring programs meet rigorous quality standards. There are various organizations offering accreditation — including the U.S. Department of Education, individual states, regional agencies and industry-specific certifications.
While specific accreditation standards can vary from one certifying agency to another, accreditation generally means that the college:
- Provides a meaningful student experience, with academic success tied to key learning outcomes
- Hires faculty with demonstrated talent and leadership both inside and outside the classroom
- Is engaged in the greater community, offering students opportunities to make meaningful connections that can help further students’ success
- Is committed to continuously improving its academic programs
CHOOSING A NON-ACCREDITED SCHOOL CAN HAVE UNANTICIPATED CONSEQUENCES
While you might be drawn to a certain college or university, think twice if it isn’t accredited. Deciding to pursue a program through a non-accredited institution can impact you in several ways.
First, if a school has not been accredited by a nationally recognized agency, you cannot take out federal student loans or qualify for other federal aid to help manage the cost of your education. Federal financial aid is limited to accredited schools.
Similarly, if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, read the fine print on the offer. In many cases, employers will only reimburse tuition and other expenses when the classes or underlying program are through a recognized, accredited educational institution.
If you intend to continue your education after earning your associate degree from an unaccredited school, be forewarned that you may not be able to transfer any of the credits you earned. This could mean you would have to essentially start your bachelor’s degree from square one.
Finally, if the above reasons aren’t enough to sway your decision, consider that when you start your job search, prospective employers will want to ensure you received a quality education — one that prepares you for working in your chosen field. Candidates with associate degrees from accredited, recognized schools often fare better than those from unaccredited institutions.
GENERATIONS COLLEGE’S ACCREDITATIONS
At Generations College, we believe in the power of a quality education. We are proud to be accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
We are also approved by the U.S. Department of Education and authorized to grant associate degrees to students who complete degree program requirements.
Our individual programs of study have also been recognized. The National Court Reporters Association has approved our court reporting program, and the American Bar Association has approved our paralegal program.
Now that you know what accreditation means and why it’s important, look at your educational options with a critical eye, to guarantee the program and institution you choose has met accreditation requirements and emphasizes a quality education. To read more about Generations College’s accreditations, college approvals and institutional memberships, visit our Accreditation page.