Many students don’t understand the meaning of accreditation, they need it for educational purposes. We explain what this process entails and what steps must be taken. You should know the benefits of accreditation before deciding.
Benefits
An accredited college offers many benefits. First, it guarantees that a college meets specific standards, such as the quality of its education. For example, Grand Canyon University accreditation provides valid degrees and certifications. Secondly, they are recognized nationally, making the transfer process more accessible. Lastly, students who attend an accredited school gain more opportunities for postsecondary education, scholarship funds, and military programs. Third, accredited schools are recognized by employers, increasing their likelihood of obtaining an excellent job.
It allows you to compare different schools, which helps you choose the right one for you. Second, accredited colleges receive federal financial aid and are viewed as quality institutions by employers. Lastly, institutions that are certified by organizations like Grand Canyon University accreditation professionals provide a better employment outlook. If you’re a first-year student looking for a university to attend, make sure that it has an accredited college.
Cost
The cost of college accreditation varies significantly from agency to agency. Some charge only $1,500 per institution, while others charge up to $35,000. A national accreditor has no maximum, and regional agencies are typically more expensive. The overall cost varies from $4,800 to $23,200 for initial accreditation. Several reasons a college may pay more for certification.
One reason is the time and money involved in the accreditation process. An accredited institution spends roughly 5,000 hours on this process each year. A recent study at Duke University examined how much this time and effort cost each school. That cost translates into millions of dollars in total expenditure. Further, a college or university must spend an average of $500,000 daily managing the required reporting. Therefore, accreditation costs are relatively low compared to the benefits it provides.
Process
To receive accreditation, a school must first apply for the process. This process requires the institution to submit large amounts of documentation and paperwork. These documents must demonstrate the school’s qualifications for accreditation, including its financial viability and class syllabi. A school’s accreditation status is then reviewed by a commission, which may also include visiting the institution’s campus and facilities. The process will begin again if a school does not meet the criteria, the process will start again.
Steps
The steps to college accreditation are generally the same for every college. To apply for initial institutional accreditation, an institution must complete a letter of interest detailing the scope of its request. The letter also shows that the institution has all the required state approvals, is not under any adverse action by the federal government, and is not undergoing a review by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. During candidacy, an institution must submit substantial paperwork documenting student outcomes and other characteristics. This includes class syllabi, graduation criteria, and degree requirements. The documents and other attributes of the school will be reviewed by a commission, which usually consists of a campus tour.
Getting accreditation for your college or university can help students choose the best school. Accreditation is crucial in determining a school’s quality and is something to look for when choosing a college or university. A school can receive certification from a national or regional accrediting agency, or you can apply for programmatic accreditation from an accredited state agency. National certification will also guarantee the quality of the education that you’ll get.
