In searching for the right beauty school, you’ll probably run across the terms accredited or accreditation. Understanding the difference between accredited and non-accredited institutions can help arm you with important information as you look to start your cosmetology, barbering, esthetician, or manicuring career.
Accreditation is a special designation from the U.S. Department of Education. This designation recognizes that a school meets specific national education performance standards. It’s an ongoing process for schools and they are reevaluated at least every six years to ensure they meet and maintain requirements.
The Department of Education authorizes independent agencies to evaluate institutions. For the beauty industry, National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) is one of the most well-known accrediting agencies.
Beauty schools that are not accredited, aren’t reviewed for complying with these minimum standards.
If you are unsure if a beauty school you are interested in is accredited, be sure to ask. Plus, check their status in the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
One major drawback of non-accredited institutions will be the inability for students to access federal financial aid. Since these types of institutions don’t have the oversight and minimum requirements in place, they don’t qualify to participate in government programs like Pell Grants.
Financial aid can offer significant assistance to individuals that qualify. In many cases, this assistance could cover a significant amount of tuition costs.
You should now be a bit more prepared to understand whether accreditation is important to your beauty school choice.
Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy has been accredited for over a decade with NACCAS. If you’d like to learn more about our academy as well as financial aid options, schedule a tour.
