Dear Editor:
The Post’s Sept. 8 story “What staggering loan defaults at for-profit schools
say about accreditors,” makes broad assumptions about education
quality and student loan defaults, citing a new Center for American Progress
study. But while discussing loan default rates, what’s missed is this: Many of
the private, independent colleges and schools accredited by ACICS serve
communities where there are few postsecondary education options – and most
serve students who are typically financially independent from their parents,
come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and typically are the first
in their families to attend college.
Without access to federal aid, the gates to post-secondary
education would swing shut for this population – many of whom are working
adults raising families of their own. ACICS-accredited schools are focused on
meeting the needs of these non-traditional students who are pursuing economic
opportunity through professional, occupational or technical education. To that
end, ACICS’ accreditation process is designed to ensure institutions achieve
strong student retention, licensure and job placement rates and that students’
training and education prepares them well for employment. There is work to be
done, to be sure; that’s why we’re working with schools, employers and
policymakers to strengthen the accreditation process.
Albert C. Gray, Ph.D.
President and CEO, ACICS