The benefits of studying at an accredited institution are many, but not all students realize the importance of this fact. Among them are quality education, financial aid, and legality.
High-quality education
Aside from the obvious advantages of an accredited degree, an accredited institution has several benefits. First, students are guaranteed a high-quality education, which increases their chances of a successful career. It’s vital to research the programs offered. For example, a student with a career in psychology might choose to attend an accredited college or university.
The U.S. Department of Education provides the highest level of accreditation. Accrediting bodies conduct rigorous reviews to ensure the quality of education. They also assess the legitimacy of institutions every five years.
Accredited institutions like Grand Canyon University accreditation are trusted by the U.S. government, which relies on accrediting bodies to maintain their high standards. Federal financial aid is only offered to accredited institutions. A particular institution’s high-quality education is one of the main factors to consider when choosing a university.
Financial aid
There are many benefits of studying at accredited institutions. Generally, federal grants and loans are more likely to be awarded to a regionally accredited school. Besides you can also receive Title IV financial aid to reduce the cost of your degree.
The benefits of accredited institutions are numerous, and the degree you earn will protect your investment. The U.S. Department of Education provides a convenient database of certified schools and accurate approval facts.
First, financial aid is awarded to students who demonstrate a need. Many of these awards are based on academic records and TOEFL scores. Applicants must also present a letter identifying the treaty with the U.S. government.
Legality
An important question is whether the degree you are about to earn from an unaccredited institution will be recognized. Accredited institutions only award degrees to students who have achieved an acceptable level of education.
Moreover, unaccredited institutions’ degrees may not be recognized for professional licenses or employment. Such degrees are generally not accepted by the government or academic circles. But they might be acceptable for specific business applications. Although the process may take several years, there are some exceptions. Using an unaccredited institution’s diploma is illegal in some states. In such cases, students are exposed to criminal penalties.
Government bodies and CHEA recognize legitimate institutions. Moreover, some “accrediting bodies” are diploma mills and give false legitimacy to institutions they are not accredited. To protect yourself, it is a good idea to check the U.S. Department of Education’s database of recognized accrediting bodies and institutions such as the Grand Canyon University accreditation professionals.
Cost
The cost of studying at accredited institutions varies. According to a 2012 Ph.D. dissertation by Paul Woolston Jr. of the University of Southern California, doctorate-granting research universities spend, on average, $32,000 to $41,000 per year to stay accredited.
While this cost may seem daunting, it’s worth it in the long run: accredited institutions receive government funding and have an excellent reputation among employers. In addition, the cost of studying at accredited institutions is significantly less than that of private colleges and universities.
Tuition fees and living costs can vary widely. Private for-profit colleges typically charge more than private institutions, though the public sector has many options with significantly lower tuition and living costs. Public two-year colleges also offer inexpensive degrees, such as an associate’s degree. Most students can complete these degrees through transfer to a university.
