School Accreditation Requirements
Maybe your first-choice college rejected you, so you check out less selective colleges. Maybe you want to start your own university, mostly likely online. How do you get accreditation for an online or land-based school? How do you know the college you choose has all the proper accreditation requirements? How little the federal government involves itself with educational institutions may surprise you.
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Who Governs Learning Institutions?
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Although we like to think that "public" means a school approved directly by the federal government, this is not the case. Regional and state agencies grant accreditation to educational programs and institutions. The Secretary of Education only publishes a listing of accreditation agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Accrediting An Agency
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How does the government validate an educational agency? An agency applies for recognition with the U.S. Secretary of Education. The recognition process includes a statement of where the agency plans to operate and a Department of Education review of its facilities, decision meetings and personnel. States have their own committees that grant authority to federally recognized agencies to accredit schools and colleges.
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General Requirements
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Most accreditation agencies require three broad attributes before considering an application. Does the potential institution promote the advancement of education? Does it possess the resources to carry out the advancement of education? Finally, does the tentative institution have objectives that fall in line with the mission of education and degrees that it offers, usually contained in a school charter or constitution.
Peer Review
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Accreditation granting agencies usually conduct an internal and external review of applicants. Internal reviews usually interview staff, teachers, administrators and students. Reputable agencies will visit the campus to evaluate compliance with specific requirements. The accreditation agency application process also often conducts an external review of the institution, generally ensuring compliance with federal regulations and standards and anything else that may improve an applicant's reputation.
Other Requirements
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Almost all accreditation agencies require a structure of authority over the institution, usually in the form of a president (sometimes called CEO) and a board of trustees. In addition, a school needs to be continuously operated, with a steady enrollment of students. Most agencies also require support services for students in the form of counseling, activities and academic advisement.
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