In my experience I have found that prospective students find a certain level of comfort knowing that there is a govenmental form of quality control inherent to the accreditation process. This goes above and beyond what the school representative can portray themselves.
Knowing that National is an accreditated school nation wide, it is a good feeling to tell prospective students in person or on the telephone that we are and our medical programs are also.
It gives a student ease of mind to know that we are accredited by ACICS. This seem to be very important to them prior to committing to our school. There are several jobs out here today that require you to attend an accredited school to get the proper certification if needed.
In my experience many prospective students have only general interest in accreditation: "Is your school acredited"? Being acredited makes the institution a viable option. Only a minority of inquiries need to know whether the school has regional or national accreditation related to either specific financial aid sources (e.g. military benefits), or transferability of associate degree credits.
I am always amazed when a potential student asks if we are accrediated. Since we are accrediated, I respond "yes" and then I ask them "what does accreditation mean to you". Most students really don't realize the advantages of accreditation or what regionally or nationally accredited signify.
I find it helps assure a student and their parents that our institution has met the required accreditations so that it can benefit them as they market the degree. Especially with the understanding that we qualify for the student to possibly receive financial assistance if they are eligible.
I think that you gain more trust with a potential stutent when they know that a school is accredited. They tend to be more comfortable.
In a word, confidence. Confidence in the quality of the program you are enrolled in his immensely important. In a students eyes, it could well be the difference between viewing their education as a gamble on future or as an investment in the future.
As a rep, I often get asked if our school is accredited and I can always hear a huge relief on their end when I can assure that we are.
I think that accedidation has help with our reputation in the community and brand management while marketing the school. Builds trust among out students as well, I believe that this would be greater improved with Regional accredidation.
I think one advantage is a quality reputation among employers that are seeking indivduals from a specific institution. Getting an Associates or Bachelors degree from an accredited institution is important for employers to see and have a better chance in landing a specific job.
More and more, in a contemporary job market, accreditation is a very vital question that students, both traditional and non-traditional, are asking. Regardless of whether a student is employed in the professinal area for which they are seeking a degree, the fact that persons are able to indicate their undergraduate degree, be it Associates or Bachelors, is from an accredited school lends credibility to the knowledge level gained from their time at a particular institution.
When I talk to our students they seem very pleased that we are accredited. In fact there are more pleased that they may receive financial aid that can only be offered because we are accreditation.
The advantage at my school is generally the positive reputation that is built in the local community. Our school has been in our local area for over 40 years so reputation is very important and valued. I find many students don't even know why they ask the question "are you accreditated?". However it is important to be forthcoming and explain the fact and enlighten them as to why it is important.
I think they are many benefits. It makes sure that you are doing things correctly. It is an audit.
Ability to have more choices with your degree with potential employers
one benefit of accreditation is that employers
will look for an employee that has graduated from an accredited school.
Provides graduates with more opportunities for employment with employers seeking specific creditials
We do have some campuses that reach across state lines. It was interesting to learn how this impacts the different requirements we must have and the overall recruiting process.
Accreditations set a standard that helps to maintain integrity within the institution.
