6 Reasons to Pursue a Degree at an Accredited Institution

Here are six reasons why it’s important to pursue a degree in an accredited program.

1. You’ll earn a degree that matters

You’ve done the work. Now it’s time to make your degree work for you. When you graduate from an accredited institution, you gain the assurance that your degree will be recognized and valued by employers and other institutions.

Accreditation signals that regional and national accrediting bodies have determined your institution has met broad organizational quality standards and, in cases of specific programs, can capably prepare students to obtain professional licenses or certifications. For instance, Sacred Heart University, as an institution, is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, while SHU’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology is accredited by AACSB International, the premier global accrediting body for business schools. The AACSB verifies the college meets the high standards for business education. In addition, some of SHU’s individual programs, such as the master of public health and bachelor’s degree programs in computer engineering and electrical engineering have made it through rigorous assessment to make sure they meet the needs of today’s students and the employers who will hire them.

2. You’ll gain better career prospects

Beyond your résumé, employers look to see if your degree came from an accredited institution and academic program. When you attend an accredited institution, you receive a comprehensive education that prepares you for current industry needs, practices and expectations. Additionally, some professional fields, from education to occupational therapy, also require graduates to earn degrees from accredited programs to meet specific licensing or hiring requirements.

With this recognition, a future employer can trust you’ll be well-prepared to handle the demands of the job. This makes it easier to enter the job market, opens doors to better job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.

3. You’ll have access to financial aid

Accredited universities and colleges can participate in federal financial aid programs, such as grants, loans and work-study. In addition to this stream of potential funds, many scholarships, fellowships and other financial gifts are solely available to students enrolled in accredited institutions.

If you need help financing your education, attending an accredited school can give you access to a wider range of funding opportunities.

4. You’ll be able to transfer credit

You’ve worked your heart out, but life intruded and now you need to shift your studies from one college to another. Don’t lose out on all that coursework or be forced to repeat what you’ve already learned. If you are in an accredited institution, the transition will typically be smoother. Generally, credits earned at one accredited institution are accepted at other accredited institutions.

5. You’ll experience enhanced support

From innovative learning environments to a robust network of alumni, accredited institutions can enrich your learning with more comprehensive academic support and real-life training, more career guidance and more opportunities to pursue mentorship and job possibilities.

Students at accredited colleges and universities are often taught by industry-leading faculty who can provide guidance and instruction in labs and other spaces that simulate real-world work scenarios and common situations that professionals handle in the field every day. Teamed with a strong network of alumni, you’ll already be a step ahead in securing a job after graduation.

6. You’ll earn credibility

Few people want to be in the position of wondering whether their degree will be recognized by employers or graduate schools. Instead, most want to be respected for the work they’ve done and the degree they’ve earned. A degree from an accredited institution carries weight, as it signals to potential employers and graduate schools that you are ready to take that job or that next step in your academic journey.

Make sure to do your homework

Whether you are searching for an MBA degree or a master’s in social work, make sure that you land at an academic program offered by an accredited college or university.

Here are a few tips to ensure the college or university you hope to attend is accredited:

• Reach out to the accrediting agency’s website, the institution’s website or contact the institution directly to certify accreditation
• Confirm that the accrediting agency for the college you’ll attend or program you’ll complete is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
• For specific programs that require additional accreditation, such as nursing, social work or physician assistant studies, check that the nationally recognized accrediting authority for that industry has granted accreditation for the individual academic program you pursue
• Make sure the institution’s and specific academic program’s accreditations are up to date

Choosing to attend an accredited college or university is an investment in your future. By selecting an accredited institution, you are making a choice that not only enhances your learning experience but also improves your chances of enjoying success in a competitive job market.

Want to learn more about Sacred Heart University’s academic programs? Explore more than 100 undergraduate, master and doctoral degrees.

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