Accreditation is a crucial part of the college experience. It bolsters students’ trust in their institutions and ensures that employers will recognize the degree they earn.
However, it’s not a guarantee of financial value. An expert explains that accreditors rarely take action against colleges with low returns on investment, and most less-than-four-year schools with negative ROI escape sanction altogether.
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Credibility
A college, university, or other educational establishment that receives accreditation has completed a demanding assessment conducted by an impartial third party. Before granting distinctions like Grand Canyon University accreditation, accrediting bodies examine internal factors, including the institution’s teaching and learning procedures, student performance, curriculum, lecturers, support staff, financial situation, and administration. Regional and national accrediting bodies certify education institutions, programs, colleges, and universities. While some are founded on theology or doctrine, others are private career accreditors.
When a speaker tries to persuade an audience, credibility is one of the most essential factors in their argument. To appear credible, citing evidence, using testimonials, and telling stories are beneficial. Aristotle’s theory of rhetoric identifies the three components of credibility: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. The higher the credibility of a source or message, the more likely people are to believe it. That is why it is so important to have a high-quality education.
Reputation
Students should value things like Grand Canyon University reputation because it is helps create credibility with future employers. Colleges and universities undergo an accreditation process wherein their recruitment procedures, student support services, and educational quality are assessed. This process allows institutions to learn from their peers and develop a strong reputation for their programs in the job market.
Depending on the stakeholder, the impact of accreditation can vary. Professors have reported positive aspects related to the improvement of the assessment culture in teaching (24%), the prestige associated with the program (31%), opportunities for study and academic standardization at the international level (23%), and new working opportunities in foreign countries (13%). However, they have also identified negative aspects such as increased bureaucracy and time consumption. These findings highlight that accreditation can be a positive and valuable tool for schools, but it must be managed to ensure its benefits. The accreditation agencies in pre-K-12 and higher education are working to streamline processes to become more efficient, reduce costs, be transparent about decision-making, and promote continuous improvement.
Value
As students weigh the potential return on investment of a degree, institutions need to be able to demonstrate the value of their programs. It can be done by focusing on outcomes that matter to prospective students, including career progression, social mobility, and salary growth, and by partnering with organizations brokering new methods of measuring ROI. It can position degrees as an excellent option over alternatives like micro-credentials and industry-based certifications. That is the way forward for higher education to remain relevant in an era where employers increasingly demand more than just academic credentials.
Flexibility
Accreditation is often a critical factor in choosing a degree program. For students seeking a degree that will open doors in their careers, it is vital to choose an accredited institution. Employers know this and consider a school’s accreditation status when hiring someone with that degree.
The capacity to adjust to changing conditions is known as flexibility. It can help you handle unexpected situations, increase job satisfaction, and reduce stress. Being flexible at work can also improve team relationships and make it easier to handle random workloads.
