Accreditation
Not all schools are require to be accredited although in some cases is mandatory. However it's important to let students know this information prior to enrollment in the school as this can be an important deciding factor.
Marlen,
Usually the public school districts are the ones that are accredited. Accreditation is an expensive and arduous process that few private schools attempt. Unfortunately, there are many diploma mills out there for high school diplomas and extensive research must be done.
Patty Aronoff
My question is this: I also deal with a high volume of students with high school diplomas we do not accept because those were earned online (this is what the students tell me) and not at an accredited, physical location. What distinguishes the HS diplomas' accreditation? Is it the fact that it was taken online or is it because of the actual school they went through?
Laquivia,
Yes, for some reason they do. Both regional and national accreditation receive their accreditation recognition from USDOE. Public institutions use regional accreditation and privates use both. It is more about familiarity with the accrediting body and its use. Some accrediting bodies only service a particular field of study.
Patty Aronoff
Hi Patty,
A lot of students have a perceived conception that a regional accreditation is better than a national accreditation. Can you offer some tips on how to deal with this issue if it was to ever arise?
Mirtha,
Students often mistake accreditation for licensure. Make sure they understand the difference.
Patty Aronoff
Accreditation is not a requirement for validity. There are many licensed schools that are not accredited.
Patty Aronoff
Myrtle,
Students need to think ahead. Unfortunately, we cannot predict the future but can be more knowledgeable of the process. Transfer of credits is not necessarily linked to accreditation.
Patty Aronoff
The Acreditation of a technical institue or a college is very important, this is a main question that every student ask before assisting a particular or a particular college.
It is so important to let students know. I can not tell you how many times a week I have to tell a student that the degree they have is invalid or their high school diploma is not valid because it is not from an accreded school.
It is important especially if the student is planning to do further studies. Transfer of credits seem to be linked to program accreditation. It is easier to transfer credits from schools that are accredited by a regional or national body.
Sean,
All accrediting agencies have their own standards and regulations. Schools interested in accreditation need to research which is the right fit.
Patty Aronoff
Dagmara,
Accreditation is voluntary though may be required for some programs requiring certification.
Patty Aronoff
Yes it certainly effects whether a course is looked upon as a regulated, serious source of 'furthering' education when transferring. The distinctions are very different moreover.
Regional seems to have more leeway in what courses are added whereas National requires specific programs for instance.
