A Clear Look at UEI Accreditation: A Message from the Vice President for Regulatory Compliance

By Sandra Gracia

As the Vice President for Regulatory Compliance, I am often asked what it truly means at United Education Institute (UEI) and UEI College when we say that our institutions are accredited and in good standing. Accreditation can feel complex from the outside, but it is an important part of how we demonstrate our commitment to student success, institutional quality, and continuous improvement. I want to explain what accreditation means for UEI and why it matters to every student who chooses to study with us.

Understanding Accreditation in the United States

Accreditation in the United States is a voluntary, third-party quality assurance process. Institutions choose to participate because it reflects a strong commitment to academic quality, ethical conduct, and accountability. For students, accreditation signals that a school has met established standards related to instruction, institutional stability, and student support.

Accreditation is also an important safeguard for students. It supports eligibility for federal financial aid and assures partners, employers, and licensing agencies that the institution operates with integrity and transparency. Although accrediting agencies do not guarantee individual student outcomes, they do ensure that institutions have the systems and resources needed to help students achieve their goals.

Who Accredits UEI

UEI campuses hold institutional accreditation awarded by one of two nationally recognized agencies. Each accrediting agency is responsible for regular evaluations and ongoing monitoring.

• The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
• The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

These agencies specialize in reviewing career focused institutions. Their recognition by the United States Department of Education confirms that they meet federal quality standards. Accreditation applies to all programs offered at each campus, both online and on ground.

What It Means to Be in Good Standing

When we state that our campuses are accredited and in good standing, we are communicating that we meet all required standards set by our accrediting organizations. Being in good standing means the institution is operating with full approval, remains current with every required reporting cycle, and is actively engaged in continual review and improvement.

Accreditation is not a one-time achievement. It involves routine evaluations, data reporting, site visits, and regular reaffirmation. Remaining in good standing reflects our commitment to accountability and to serving students with integrity and professionalism.

What Accreditation Does Not Guarantee

Although accreditation offers important protections, there are misconceptions worth clearing up. Accreditation does not promise job placement or employment. It also does not ensure that credits will transfer to all other institutions. Individual colleges and universities determine their own transfer policies. Students should always check with any institution they plan to attend in the future.

Accreditation also does not replace personal research. Each student should explore program offerings, campus resources, learning formats, and career pathways to ensure that the experience aligns with their goals.

Why Accreditation Matters to Our Students

Students deserve confidence that their educational institution meets high standards. Accreditation provides that confidence. It signals that UEI operates with credibility, stability, and a strong focus on student development. It also ensures that our programs, faculty, support services, and institutional operations are held to continual review.

For students who use federal financial aid, accreditation is essential. For employers and partners who evaluate where applicants received their training, accreditation provides assurance that credentials have been awarded responsibly and reflect meaningful learning.

Our Ongoing Commitment

I am proud of our standing with our accrediting agencies. More importantly, I am proud of the work our campus teams do every day to uphold the standards those agencies require. Accreditation is an ongoing partnership that supports transparency, quality, and continuous improvement. Our goal is to ensure that every student who chooses UEI can trust that they are receiving an education that meets recognized standards within the career education community.