When researching universities, you may have seen some designate themselves as “accredited.” But what is an accredited university? And what does this mean for your education and future prospects?
Learn why accreditation matters for students and the potential consequences of seeking a degree from an unaccredited university.
What Is an “Accredited University”?
Accreditation indicates that a nationally recognized accrediting agency has evaluated a university against strict quality standards and found it to adequately prepare students for their careers. You may see accreditation refer to a university as a whole or to a specific program the university offers.
Knowing that you are attending a regionally accredited college gives you assurance that your degree is reliable and of high quality. Several regional accrediting agencies may give this designation to universities in the U.S.:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
What Happens If You Attend an Unaccredited University?
Why does it matter whether you attend an accredited university vs. an unaccredited one? Accreditation adds value to your degree. If you attend an unaccredited university, you risk:
- Not receiving the level of education you need: The university might not adequately teach you the concepts and skills required for your desired field.
- Employers not recognizing your education: Many employers don’t recognize college degrees from unaccredited degree programs. In their eyes, you didn’t earn a degree at all.
- Not having access to financial aid: Federal financial aid is typically only available for students attending accredited universities and colleges.
- Not being able to transfer credits: If you decide to transfer to another university, the credits you earned at the unaccredited one may not transfer. You also may not qualify for a master’s program if you earned your bachelor’s degree at a university that wasn’t accredited.
- Not being able to obtain licensure: If your field requires a license or certification, attending an unaccredited university may not qualify you for it.
Explore Online Accredited Programs Through Our Nationally Recognized University
Attending an accredited university is important if you want to make the most of your education. Everglades is a certified academic institution accredited by the SACSCOC.
We have received higher education accreditation to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees through our online and in-person programs. Contact us today at 888-854-8308 to learn more.
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