Lebanon College Second Grant of Accreditation Announced

Lebanon, NH – April 21, 2010, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) awarded a second grant of accreditation to Lebanon College through December 31, 2012. The Accrediting Council reached its decision after a review of a detailed institutional report that was submitted by the college.

Accreditation is the process used by higher education systems to evaluate institutions and assure the quality of education. It assesses and enhances the educational quality of an institution, assures consistency in institutional operations, promotes institutional improvement, and provides for public accountability. The scope of ACICS is defined as accreditation of private postsecondary institutions offering certificates or diplomas, and postsecondary institutions offering associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in programs designed to educate students for professional, technical, or occupational careers, including those that offer programs via distance learning.

"ACICS is a nation-wide accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. This agency is very demanding and holds its member schools to high standards of performance and compliance with their accreditation criteria. The award of a new grant of accreditation is the culminating reward for many months of hard work by the College’s administrative staff. Any time an educational institution receives a grant of accreditation it represents a vote of confidence in that institution’s ability to deliver quality programs for its students,” said Lebanon College Dean of Academics Bruce Gordon.

Having Lebanon College accredited has been vital to the school’s success. In 2007, when ACICS originally awarded accreditation, the college saw a 40% increase in its matriculated paying student base. Just two years later, in 2009, for the first time Lebanon College sold more credits to matriculated students than to non-matriculated students. It has also eased the process for students to have their college credits transferred to other colleges; Lebanon College now has an articulation agreement with St. Joseph’s college in Rutland, Vermont where both schools now accept 100% of each other’s credits in a number of programs. Accreditation has also opened the opportunity for students to receive federal financial aid. Currently, 85% of students studying in a program receive some form of financial aid. All of this would not have been a possibility without being an accredited college.

For more information contact:

Brian Woods at 603-448-2445 ext. 123
bwoods@lebanoncollege.edu