What Recourse Do I Have If My School Or University Offers A Degree That Is Not Accredited?

If a student discovers that their school or university offers a degree program that is not accredited, they may face serious challenges regarding the value of their degree, the ability to transfer credits, or secure employment in their field of study. Accreditation is an essential credential that assures both students and employers that an institution’s degree programs meet established academic standards. When a program is not accredited, it may not be recognized by employers, other educational institutions, or licensing bodies.

Students who find themselves in this situation have several legal and practical recourses depending on the specific circumstances.

1. Verify the Accreditation Status

• Check Accreditation Status: Use official resources to confirm the accreditation status of the school or program. In the U.S., you can check whether a school is accredited by visiting the U.S. Department of Education website or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations maintain lists of recognized accrediting bodies and institutions.
• Clarify the Type of Accreditation: Some schools may claim to have national accreditation or accreditation from non-recognized bodies that might not be recognized by employers or other educational institutions. Ensure that the accreditation is from a recognized, legitimate agency.

2. Understand the Impact of Unaccredited Programs

The lack of accreditation may affect students in several ways:

• Job Prospects: Employers may not recognize the degree if it is from an unaccredited program, which can hinder job placement opportunities in certain fields.
• Credit Transfer: If you decide to transfer to another school, your credits may not be accepted, as many universities or colleges only accept credits from accredited institutions.
• Licensing or Certification: Certain professions (e.g., law, medicine, engineering, teaching) require accredited degrees to be eligible for certification or licensing. An unaccredited degree can prevent you from pursuing such careers.

3. Legal Recourse for Misrepresentation or Fraud

If the school misrepresented its accreditation status or knowingly offered an unaccredited program while advertising it as accredited, you may have legal grounds for action. Potential legal claims include:

• Breach of Contract: If the school or university promised an accredited degree in the enrollment agreement or through marketing materials, and it later turns out the program was unaccredited, you may have a claim for breach of contract. You would argue that the school failed to deliver what was promised, and as a result, you suffered financial harm and lost educational opportunities.
• Fraud or Misrepresentation: If the school deliberately misled students about its accreditation status or the recognition of its degrees, this could be considered fraud or misrepresentation. In these cases, students may seek to recover damages for the harm caused, such as wasted tuition costs, the inability to pursue careers, and emotional distress.
• Consumer Protection: Many states have consumer protection laws that prohibit false advertising and deceptive business practices. If a school advertises its degree programs as accredited when they are not, this could be considered a violation of consumer protection laws, and you may file a complaint with your state’s attorney general or consumer protection agency.

4. File a Complaint with Accrediting Bodies or State Agencies

• Accrediting Agencies: If a school claims to be accredited by an organization that does not have legitimate recognition, you may file a complaint with recognized accrediting bodies. For example, if a school falsely claims accreditation from a non-recognized body, you can report it to the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.
• State Education Department: In many cases, states regulate higher education institutions, even those that are private. If a school offers degrees that are not accredited, students may report the issue to the state’s department of higher education or consumer protection division. The state agency may investigate the issue and take corrective actions against the institution.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the school is engaging in deceptive practices, you can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. They may help mediate disputes and alert other potential students to the school's practices.

5. Seek Financial Compensation or a Refund

• Request a Refund: If the school falsely represented the degree program as accredited, you may request a refund for the tuition paid. Some schools may agree to refund the tuition if they made a significant error or misrepresentation.
• Class Action Lawsuit: If a large number of students are affected by the unaccredited program, they may be able to file a class action lawsuit against the school for misrepresentation or fraud. This allows multiple students to seek compensation for their collective damages caused by the unaccredited program.
• Small Claims Court: If the amount in question is smaller, students may consider taking the school to small claims court to seek a refund or damages for the misleading advertisement or breach of contract.

6. Transfer to Another Institution

Transfer of Credits: While it may be difficult to transfer credits from an unaccredited school to another accredited institution, some schools may accept transfer students from unaccredited programs on a case-by-case basis. However, the student would typically need to demonstrate their coursework and academic performance to the new school. This could involve:

• Transcript Evaluation: Some universities may allow a credit evaluation where they assess your completed coursework to see if it meets their standards.
• Additional Coursework: You may need to complete additional coursework at the new institution to compensate for the unaccredited credits.

Alternative Education Options: If transferring credits is not possible, you may need to consider applying to a fully accredited institution to pursue your degree from the start. This may involve starting over but can ensure that your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing bodies.

7. Example

A student enrolls in an online business administration program at a private institution, which advertises that the program is accredited by a well-known accrediting agency. After graduation, the student finds that the accrediting agency is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The student struggles to find a job because employers do not recognize the degree.

The student contacts the school and learns that the program was never accredited by a legitimate agency, despite the school’s advertisements. The student then files a complaint with the state’s department of education and the consumer protection office, claiming fraudulent misrepresentation and seeking compensation for tuition fees and damages.

In this case, the student may be entitled to a refund of their tuition and could consider filing a lawsuit for damages if they can prove that the school intentionally misrepresented the accreditation status.

8. Preventive Measures

• Research the Institution: Before enrolling in any program, students should research the accreditation status of both the institution and the specific degree program. Ensure that the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.
• Ask Directly: If unsure about accreditation, ask the school directly for information regarding their accreditation and the recognized accrediting agency.
• Verify Job and Licensing Requirements: If the degree is intended for a specific career (e.g., nursing, teaching), verify with potential employers or licensing boards that the program is acceptable for the career path.

Conclusion

If you discover that your school or university offers an unaccredited degree, you have several legal and practical recourses, depending on the situation. Breach of contract and fraud claims can be pursued if the school misrepresented its accreditation status. Students may also file complaints with consumer protection agencies, seek a refund, or consider transferring to a fully accredited institution. In cases of significant financial loss or widespread misrepresentation, a class action lawsuit may also be an option. Always verify the accreditation status of any program before enrolling to avoid these complications.