Accreditation is how the education system signals quality. An accredited school or program has been evaluated by an independent agency and found to meet established standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student support. Employers and other schools use that signal when judging a degree.
The signal carries weight with employers. In a 2023 survey by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, 80% of employers agreed that higher education prepares graduates for success in their jobs. Accreditation is part of what gives employers that confidence, along with the graduate’s skills and experience.
Students should know there are different kinds. Institutional accreditation covers the whole school. Programmatic accreditation covers a specific field, such as business education through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Both matter, but they answer different questions.
Check claims before you enroll. Accrediting agencies publish their lists, and a school’s statements should match. Watch the wording carefully: a candidate for accreditation is working toward the status, not holding it. For example, Continents International University was granted IACBE candidacy in July 2024, with the candidacy period running through July 31, 2029. Candidacy is a real step forward, but it is not accreditation.
A degree is a major investment of time and money. Confirming accreditation status takes a few minutes and protects that investment. For more, see why accreditation matters, the school’s IACBE candidacy, and what IACBE accreditation means. For general guidance, read how accredited online universities ensure quality and credibility.
