questions & answers

What is an “Accredited” College? Why is Being “Accredited” Important?

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022

There are a lot of colleges and universities in the United States, but how many of them are actually “accredited”? Just because a college exists, does not mean it has the best educational program or teaching system. The college could have been created and approved to teach, but not be accredited. What is accreditation? Accreditation …

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Are Freshmen Retention Rates a Good Indicator of a College’s Quality?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

The answer may not be as clear-cut as you’re hoping, because: yes and no. But let’s break it down. First off: what is a freshmen retention rate? It is the percentage of students who return for their second (or sophomore) year at school. For example, Vanderbilt University has a first-year retention rate of 97%. That …

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What if I Can’t Afford a College Visit?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

Visiting a college you’re interested in is an integral part of the college selection process. During a visit, students get an in-depth look at a potential school, get a feel for the campus and atmosphere, and can ask questions to current students and faculty. They can even sit-in on classes! But if you can’t afford …

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What is Academic Misconduct?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on May 20, 2025

Key Takeaways: Academic misconduct refers to gaining, attempting to gain, or helping others gain unfair advantages in school. Consequences range from having to re-do the assignment to expulsion, depending on the severity. Students accused of academic dishonesty can appeal their instructor’s decision. Academic misconduct, which includes plagiarism, falsifying data, and more, is when you are …

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Why are Graduation Rates so Low Across the Country?

By Ellen AndersenLast updated on December 22, 2022

More and more often, we see schools that grant bachelor’s degrees having low 4-year graduation rates. Some programs seem to extend to 5 or even 6 years frequently. However, even across these extra years, the rates can be low. The same applies to schools that grant associate’s degrees; only 28% of students graduated with an …

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What is a Sea Grant College?

By Allison WignallLast updated on December 22, 2022

What is it? In 1966 Congress passed an act called the National Sea Grant College Program Act. In partnership with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the program would promote research, education, training, and projects in relation to conservation of coasts, marine areas, and Great Lakes resources. There are 33 colleges and universities taking part …

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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a First-Generation College Student?

By Maria Andreina FernandezLast updated on December 22, 2022

Getting ready to attend college is a very stressful stage in a young person’s life. We think the stress will disappear once we actually start the classes, but the truth is it stays there. Some students have their parents, or their older siblings, to give support and guidance during these hard years filled with new …

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What’s the Difference Between a College and a University?

By Hilary CairnsLast updated on September 24, 2025

Key Takeaways: A college is generally a higher education institution that only offers up to bachelor’s degrees. A university offers bachelor’s degrees in addition to postgraduate degrees, such as master’s or doctorates. Experiences can vary depending on the type of school, so students should compare college vs. university before applying. In the United States, “college” …

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Are There Any Resources for First-Generation College Students?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

The answer is yes! In the world of higher education, about 30% of all students are first-generation, meaning they are the first in their family to attend a college. Because they are a large portion of students today, colleges and universities need to have resources available for them. First-Generation Scholarships There are many scholarships out …

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What are Sun Grant Colleges?

By Liz SkogerboeLast updated on December 22, 2022

The United States Congress passed the Sun Grant Research Initiative Act of 2003 in an effort to pair land-grant universities with national laboratories and other groups to work towards creating a more sustainable country with domestically produced energy. The Sun Grant Centers are the land-grant university representatives for their regions of the United States. The …