Exactly how important is accreditation.?

fieldsports
Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:47:24 +0000

Which specific business-oriented accreditation does your program at Rider have that the others do not? If you’re getting a general undergrad business degree, I don’t think specific business program accreditations are likely to matter much. When you are out interviewing as a recent Bachelor’s degree recipient with a business major, I think it’s the school’s overall reputation for rigor, which specific courses you took, your grades, your references, the personal qualities you bring to the table, and your specific work and internship experiences that will matter most.

Rider is in NJ, not far from Philadelphia, so I would imagine that by “Holy Family” you mean the one in Northeast Phila. Your state school alternatives are probably either PA or NJ state schools. You seem to be wondering whether you can get an equivalent education at a better price in that region by transferring out of Rider. I think you probably can, although that’s a guess, because it seems that you do get some aid at Rider (not sure if it’s merit or need-based) and you might not get merit aid as an incoming transfer at another school. You would have to apply to the school, apply for aid, and see what happens. I am out of touch with Holy Family’s reputation, but I think West Chester State in PA and Rowan in NJ are at LEAST as well regarded as Rider. I am afraid that the general impression of Rider, at least among people in the region who are now in their 40s or 50s, is that it’s an overpriced party school, lacking in academic rigor. TCNJ and Rutgers would be much better regarded. Temple, too, most likely. I believe this to be the case whether their undergrad business programs are formally accredited or not.

Wharton is so well regarded that many paying private rates for it, but most people cannot gain admission. Rider probably isn’t worth paying private rates if it’s a struggle. For those who like the amenities at Rider, or feel that it’s a personal good fit, and can afford it, it’s a personal choice. But if someone needs financial relief and can get it at one of the state schools mentioned, I don’t think they are a step down, academically, from Rider. Not at all.