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Many students have heard the word “accreditation,” but it can seem like just another piece of college jargon. However, it’s a significant part of getting a degree. Accreditation shows that your education meets national standards. It is also a requirement for receiving financial aid and transferring credits.
You Can Get a Better Job
Depending on your industry, you may need to maintain specific standards to be considered a qualified professional. Obtaining degrees from organizations that are accredited by companies like Grand Canyon University accreditation can help you adhere to these standards and create valuable influence in your field. In addition, the knowledge you gain during a course that leads to certification can help you work more efficiently. This can also enhance your earning potential. However, it is essential to ensure that the school and accrediting agency you choose are legitimate. Otherwise, you could end up with a degree with little value. Many dishonest institutions and bogus accrediting agencies exist to bilk students out of money and do not offer any actual educational benefits. It is recommended to check the U.S. Department of Education database to ensure that your chosen institution is accredited. This will make sure that your future employer can trust your degree. This will save you and your future employer time and money in the long run.
Employers Want to Hire You
When employers ask, “Why should we hire you?” an accredited degree can make a difference. It shows you attended a college reviewed by peers and meets specific national standards of excellence. Students and graduates report that graduating from a university that has been accredited by organizations like the Grand Canyon University accreditation professionals significantly impact quality. They cite higher internationalization opportunities and national and international recognition as significant positive and improved academic training and teaching qualities. There are three major types of accrediting agencies: regional, specialized, and national. Regional accrediting organizations were started by groups of traditional universities and colleges in specific regions of the United States; national accrediting organizations review institutions nationwide, and specialized or professional accrediting agencies review individual departments, programs, and single-purpose institutions.
You Can Transfer Credits
Accreditation can mean that if you transfer to another college or university, they will accept your academic credits. This is because they know the school has been vetted and their program meets nationally accepted educational standards. This can be important if you are planning on going to grad school. Potential grad schools will want to know that the bachelor’s degree you earned at their institution is valid. Moving forward in your career will also be easier if you can transfer your credits and avoid retaking courses. The Department of Education only channels financial aid through accredited colleges and universities, so it’s crucial for students to attend an accredited program. However, institutions can still accept or reject credit based on other criteria, such as the quality of the course and its consistency with their curriculum. So, while accreditation can help you transfer your credits, schools are not guaranteed to accept them.
You Can Get Financial Aid
Students often have difficulty affording college and rely heavily on financial aid. However, the federal government only allows universities and colleges to participate in its financial aid programs if accredited by an agency recognized by the Department of Education. This recognition is achieved through a rigorous, multi-year process that includes an in-depth self-evaluation from the institution and a visit and examination by a team of professionals. This peer review ensures that a school offers students a quality education and provides employers with a degree they can trust. If you are considering applying for financial aid, check the list of national and regional accrediting agencies on the U.S. Department of Education website and find the agency that best matches your educational program. This way, you can rest assured that your school meets the necessary standards to be considered for grants, loans, and work-study awards. You’ll also be able to transfer credits and degrees between accredited institutions.
