About buzzard Expertise Experienced college admissions professional who has assisted hundreds of students and their families in finding the right college. Choosing a college is not a game that only a few people can win; there is no universal handfull of "best" colleges. It is possible for everyone to find a college that is the right fit for them.
Experience 10 years as a college admissions counselor; 12 years working for a national association of college admissions counselors; two children of my own in college Frequently teach "How to Choose Your College" programs.
Question I intend to send my 3 kids to Pensacola Christian College, in Florida. But what I read on the Internet is making me to hesitate.
I read that the college is not accredited. Does it mean my kids cannot go further and attend other universities after leaving PCC?
Please, explain to me this issue of accreditation.
You may want to know the main reason for moving my kids from California to that college in Pensacola: The tuition is much cheaper. I will spend half of what I currently pay in Los Angeles. For an African parent, it is quite high.
In the Los Angeles college, I spend $16,000 X 3:
$48,000 while in Pensacola Christian College, it is going to be half of this amount for the three kids, just $24,000, including boarding, yes, including residency on compus!
Please advice me on choices, advantages and drawbacks, regarding this plan. Greetings from sunny West Africa!
Thanks
Answer Hi! I happen to be very familiar with Penesacola Christian College.
Students who do not attend an accredited college are not at a dead end, but it can be more difficult for them to continue on and get advanced degrees, or to have their degree well regarded, which can have a negetive impact on employment.
Personally, I would not have any of my children attend an unaccredited program. The grad school competition and competition in the job market are simply too stiff to handicap my kids with what some will see, rightfully or wrongfully, as as inferior degree.
Pensacola Christian also has some very, very strict campus lifestyle rules. Were I you, I would ask to see a copy of the student handbook before sending a child there. If they refuse to send you same, that indicates that they want you to make a major decision without complete information. You may think their rules are quite appropriate, in which case it may not be much of an issue, but I thought I would call it to your attention.
If you were seeking a Christian College, you can find an extensive listing of them through the National Association of Christian College Admissions Personnel. www.naccap.org/ You may find several that are in a similiar price range.
I hope that you will find this helpful.
Here in Pennsylvania it is cloudy and rainy. We need some of your West Africian sun!! :-)
