Accreditation
When someone asks if your school is accredited, what does he really mean?
Donald,
Accreditation is a wonderful thing to have. But not all schools have accreditation and it's not a negative stance if they don't have it.
Patty Aronoff
When I have a propective student ask me about accreditation it gives me a chance to speak towards the value of the school. Accreditation really speaks to the accademic integrity of the school. I inform students that accreditation shows employers and certifying/licensing bodies that you have attended a school that is academically sound. When someone asks you this question they are questioning the value of education at your school. Furthermore, schools that are accredited can receive federal aid for their students that enroll.
Renee,
Accreditation is a stamp of approval IF the accrediting body is recognized by the USDOE.
Patty Aronoff
Yes and the accredidation is basically a stamp of approval by the US Department of Education. It lets the students know if the school is accredited on a national, regional or programmatic level depending on the charter approval and scope.
Paul,
Very good resource. The USDOE has a very informative website on accreditation. This term seems to confuse many as they interchange the term with licensure.
Patty Aronoff
A lot of potential students do not understand what they are asking when they mention this question. And they often receive a lot of bad information from various sources. I like to give the prospects a brief overview and then refer them to the US Dept of education site: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg2.html.
I also try to help students understand about accreditation (regional vs national) importance relative to their future goals and objectives.
Suzy,
Financial aid is given in loans and/or grants. Loans must be paid after leaving school. Grants do not have to be paid back. The school must be licensed by the state before applying for accreditation. You would need to check with your specific accreditation body for their requirement of years of operation before application.
Patty Aronoff
Who pays the school tuition when the institution is accredited and the student wants to use financial aid or grants? How many years must the school be in business before aquiring accreditation?
Cleophat,
Accreditation is not licensure with CIE. Accreditation is a voluntary application to a USDOE recognize agency.
