A degree obtained from a college after it loses accreditation is still legitimate, just like a degree obtained before the college shuts. It won’t have a detrimental impact on the degree holder’s search for job or prospects for professional progression. However, in rare circumstances, an explanation may be needed.
In some situations, a college or university loses its accreditation rather than its capacity to function.
But let’s be clear about one thing first: a higher education institution can still be lawful and reputable even if it is not certified. In other words, you may finish a course of study at a college that has no accreditation at all yet receive a diploma or degree that is legitimate. Accredited online degree program does speak volume.
Online education is becoming increasingly popular as it offers flexibility and convenience. Online classes and courses can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, making it easier for students to balance their education with other responsibilities. Additionally, online education often provides access to a wider range of options and resources, such as online class help and online course help, which can be invaluable for students who need extra support.
Non-accredited Institution Or University
Attending a non-accredited institution or university does have several drawbacks, some of which may impact you while you’re a student and others of which may harm you after you graduate:
- As the school is not eligible to accept financial assistance, you cannot benefit from federal or state funding.
- You might not be able to take advantage of scholarships provided by local businesses, employers, and organizations.
- You could not have access to education that satisfies a particular caliber requirement established by an accreditor.
- If you want to transfer to an approved institution, your college credits cannot be transferred.
- You might not be as employable as someone who graduated from a recognized institution or university.
Accrediting organizations evaluate the institutions they have accredited every seven years. They take these measures to ensure that colleges and universities can adhere to their established criteria of providing accredited online degree program.
Nevertheless, if a school doesn’t satisfy those requirements, they risk losing their accreditation. However, if you graduated from the university offering you online graduate programs before it occurred, you don’t need to be concerned. That’s because your degree from it is still legitimate and genuine, regardless of whether the college receives accreditation once again.
However, be prepared since a prospective employer may want to know more about the situation.
How Do Students Suffer If a College Closes?
Universities and colleges that are closing their doors could provide teach-out agreements to their students. Simply expressed, it enables students to transfer to different institutions so that they can complete their chosen studies. Students have the option to decline the offer, and those who do so can enroll in the school of their choice.
If you accept the institution’s teach-out proposal, you will continue where you left off at your prior college or university that offer online graduate programs. Naturally, all of the credits you have previously earned will instantly transfer.
A teach-out agreement has the advantage that you can agree to it or not.
You have the option to determine where you wish to finish your study if you want to reject the school’s offer. However, keep in mind that not all of your earned credits may be accepted by the college you intend to transfer to. Typically, depending on the duration of the degree, the new school will only take up to 60 to 90 credits.
However, if the questioned school is not accredited, there can be an issue. This is due to the fact that it is probable that all of the authorized schools and universities where you intend to transfer will accept whatever credits you have earned.
Just Before You Get Worried If Your College Closes
Don’t assume that if the college or institution that awarded your present degree collapses, you would need to obtain a new degree. Your degree still holds true and is legitimate, regardless of the reason it was closed.
If the institution from which you received your degree loses its accreditation, the same applies.
Why are universities accredited?
No accreditation is required. Academic institutions can or cannot submit an accreditation application. To qualify for US federal student funding, schools and universities must have their accreditation from agencies that are recognized by the government. Additionally, accreditation promotes credibility and quality.
How long are student records kept at colleges?
Transcripts from colleges are always valid. They are, in other words, permanent recordings. All students who have registered and attended a college or university must have their transcripts kept on file. Whether or whether students graduate, this is true.
College Accreditation: Institutional vs. Programmatic
Institutional and programmatic accreditation are the two main subcategories of college accreditation. Institutional accreditation covers the whole academic program and management of a college. The following are significant institutional accrediting organizations:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Within a college or university, programmatic accreditation is only applicable to one department or program. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs for counseling psychology and the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology for engineering are two organizations that accredit programs.
Candidates are frequently required to acquire degrees from authorized schools or institutions in order to get professional licenses and certifications. Typically, graduate programs also have this requirement.