Student Corner: The Importance of ACCSC Accreditation

Whether you are considering attending, or currently enrolled in an ACCSC-accredited institution, you should have confidence in ACCSC accreditation, which has been continuously recognized by the United States Department of Education as a reliable authority on quality education since 1967.

As a recognized accrediting agency, ACCSC collaboratively works with the United States Department of Education and various state regulatory bodies to ensure high educational standards and ethical business practices at approximately 700 accredited institutions.

ACCSC's Standards of Accreditation sets forth the requirements for a school to operate and maintain their accreditation. These standards require ACCSC-accredited institutions to:

• Observe ethical practices and procedures in the recruitment of students. A school must comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to student recruitment.

• Issue an enrollment agreement for all enrolled students which includes information on tuition, class attendance, school policies, and refund policies.

• Provide an opportunity for prospective students to review the school catalog prior to signing the enrollment agreement. The catalog includes information on admission requirements, program objectives, transfer-of-credit policies, school policies, student services, and the school's refund policy.

• Employ faculty that have appropriate prior work experience  in the field and are trained in instructional methods and teaching skills. Additionally, schools must certify or license faculty when required by state law.

• Ensure that sufficient equipment and learning stations are provided to allow each student adequate scheduled time for practice and that all machinery and equipment are provided with proper safety devices.

• Maintain a student services program that responds to individual student needs. Services must include academic advising; testing and tutoring services; supervision of attendance records; and graduate employment assistance.

• Make an official transcript available to students upon request in accordance with the school's policies.

• Utilize a policy and procedure for handling student complaints and inform students in writing of that policy and procedure.

A PDF version of the Student Corner is also available for download.