What Is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process by which professional institutions have their qualifications and operations verified and validated, according to a specific set of standards that are set forth by an accreditation agency, with respect to state and federal regulations. Accreditation standards involve nearly every aspect of an institution’s operation, and often extend beyond what is required by law.

Glen Dow Academy is nationally accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS), and has maintained accreditation since being originally accredited in September of 1970. NACCAS is recognized by the US Department of Education as a national agency for the institutional accreditation of post-secondary schools and departments of cosmetology arts and sciences, including specialized schools. NACCAS currently accredits roughly 1,300 institutions across the United States.

To find out more about NACCAS, visit their website at: http://www.naccas.org

Why Is Accreditation Important To Students?

From the perspective of a student or potential applicant, an institution’s accreditation is important for a variety of reasons:

  • An accredited institution is required to continually meet or exceed the standards which all applicable regulatory agencies (including the accreditation agency) consider acceptable, and have their performance with respect to those standards be continually verified. This means that the institution has to remain in compliance with state and federal law, while also being in compliance with the standards set forth by the accreditation agency. In other words — accredited institutions are held to a much higher standard than others, and in order to stay accredited must adjust their operations as regulations change or are newly implemented.
  • It serves as an extra assurance that an institution has the necessary facilities, instructional staff, educational standards and course requirements to provide students with legitimate and viable education in their course of study.
  • It allows educational institutions to participate in state and federal financial aid programs, which many students rely on to be able to attend their course.
  • An institution’s accreditation, or lack thereof, could determine whether transfer hours can be granted or accepted by that institution, and may even impact the perceived worth of your education by potential employers.
  • The reputation of an accreditation agency itself is also an important thing to keep in mind, particularly whether they are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a legitimate agency. Because accreditation is handled by independent agencies and not directly by the U.S. government, many accreditation agencies exist which are sub-par or simply fraudulent. Such agencies typically accredit fraudulent/questionable institutions, or institutions which are unable to meet the requirements set by reputable agencies.

For these reasons, accreditation should be a major factor to consider when deciding where you would like to receive your secondary education.

To view all accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (including NACCAS), visit this link: https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Agencies.aspx

Net Price Calculator

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By clicking below, I acknowledge that the estimate provided using this calculator does not represent a final determination, or actual award, of financial assistance, or a final net price; it is an estimate based on price of attendance and financial aid provided to students in a previous year. Price of attendance and financial aid availability change year to year. The estimates shall not be binding on the Secretary of Education, the institution of higher education, or the State. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for, and receive, an actual financial aid award that includes Federal grant, loan, or work-study assistance. For more information on applying for Federal student aid, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

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