American College of Education: Accreditation and Student Outcomes
American College of Education (ACE) is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable online education to help students advance their careers. Since its founding in 2005, ACE has focused on putting students first, offering coursework grounded in evidence-based theories and real-world situations. This commitment extends to preparing students to serve in their communities and become leaders in their respective fields.
Accreditation: A Mark of Quality Education
ACE holds several accreditations, demonstrating its commitment to quality education. These accreditations include:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): ACE is accredited by the HLC, a federally-recognized accrediting agency. HLC accreditation ensures that the institution's academic programs meet or exceed acceptable levels of quality. To maintain this accreditation, ACE undergoes routine peer review cycles and provides proof that its programs meet HLC criteria and expectations.
- Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): ACE’s teacher preparation programs are accredited by CAEP. In May 2020, ACE’s Professional Education Programs was granted accreditation at the initial-licensure level and advanced-licensure level through Spring 2027, for a period of seven (7) years. Accreditation for seven (7) years is granted if the EPP meets all CAEP Standards and components. The CAEP accreditation applies to ACE’s initial licensure-level programs, M.A. in Elementary Teaching, M.A. in Secondary Teaching, Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Elementary Education, and Certificate in Transition to Teaching in Secondary Education. The seven-year CAEP accreditation has also been given to ACE’s most popular and advanced-licensure program, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): ACE's nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE. The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at American College of Education are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
These accreditations signify that ACE has met rigorous standards for quality and is committed to providing students with a valuable education.
Student-Centered Approach and Outcomes
ACE prioritizes its students' needs and strives to create a supportive learning environment. This approach is reflected in various aspects of the college:
- Affordable Education: ACE is committed to keeping costs low and passing those savings onto students. The average cost of a master's degree is around $10,000. ACE also awards over $1.2 million in scholarships and grants each year.
- Flexible Learning: ACE offers a virtual campus with convenient start dates, providing students with the flexibility they need to achieve their goals. Student support services are available 24/7, and tutoring is included at no additional cost.
- Career Advancement: ACE's curriculum is designed to equip students with practical strategies and skills that can be applied immediately in their careers. The college reports that educators, business professionals, nurses, and healthcare professionals can realize an average salary premium with a master's degree.
Student Assessment Measures
ACE offers multiple programs approved in specific states that lead to initial teacher or administrative certification, licensure, or endorsement. The college aims to exceed state averages in licensure exam pass rates. Data from September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023, demonstrates ACE's commitment to this goal.
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Enrollment, Completion, and Retention Metrics
ACE is dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals by providing high-quality education at an affordable cost. The college is committed to retaining students and helping them earn the credentials they desire.
- Fall Enrollment: Data from August 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023, shows total enrollment of students by degree level. Students enrolled in Micro-Credential programs are reported in the Certificate count.
- Certificates and Degrees Conferred: From July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023, ACE conferred a variety of certificates and degrees across different program levels. Students enrolled in a Micro-Credential program are reported in the Certificate count.
- Fall Demographics: As of August 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023, the student body reflects diverse demographics across various degree levels. All student demographic data is self-reported. Students enrolled in a Micro-Credential program are reported in the Certificate count.
- Annual Retention Rate: ACE calculates an annual retention rate for all certificate and degree-seeking students actively enrolled at some point during the previous year.
- Graduation Rate: ACE calculates an annual graduation rate based on a student’s initial enrollment in a cohort, using expected time-to-completion for their program. Students are only reported once at the degree level, even if enrolled in more than one program at that level.
Continuing Education, Employment, and Earnings Metrics
ACE tracks the outcomes of its graduates through exit surveys, gathering data on continuing education, employment, and earnings.
- Further Certificates or Degrees: Graduates are asked about their plans to pursue further certificates or degrees after completing their program at ACE.
- Further Education School of Choice: Students planning to pursue further education are asked where they intend to do so, with a significant percentage indicating they would choose ACE again.
- Additional State Licensure: Graduates are surveyed on whether they anticipate pursuing additional licensure for their state as a result of their degree.
- Employment Rate at Graduation: The percentage of students reporting full-time employment at the time of graduation is tracked.
- Employed in Field: Graduates are asked if they are employed in their field.
- Career Change: ACE monitors whether graduates have made or anticipate making a career advancement or change in profession after completing their program.
- Career Change Included a Pay Raise: Students who made a career change are asked if it included a pay raise.
- Annual Salary: Graduates provide their annual salary at the time of graduation.
These metrics provide valuable insights into the impact of an ACE education on students' career trajectories and earning potential.
Recognition and Awards
ACE has received several awards and recognitions, including being named a Best Place to Work in Indiana for six years in a row. The college has also been recognized for its programs, such as the M.Ed. in Technology, which was named a Top Online Program for Working Professionals by Nitro College.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
American College of Education is a Certified B Corporation®, demonstrating its commitment to social and environmental performance, positive impact on employees and customers, and public transparency. ACE actively engages in community service, with employees volunteering thousands of hours and donating to nonprofits. The college also supports various charitable initiatives, such as providing meals for the community and filling backpacks with school supplies for students.
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Addressing Concerns About Accreditation
Recent discussions have raised concerns about the focus of some accreditors on issues other than student outcomes, such as the adoption of discriminatory ideologies. Some argue that accreditors should be held accountable for ensuring that institutions provide a quality education and that accreditation standards should prioritize student success. While ACE maintains its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the college also remains focused on providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen fields.
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