Q:
What is a college's accreditation and why is it important?A:
The accreditation status of a college, university or vocational institution gives you an indication of its quality. Lakewood College is nationally accredited by the DETC and we are approved by the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools. This means that our educational programs are regularly examined by third-party accrediting organizations to ensure the quality of our curricula, instructional methodology, faculty and administrative policies. Lakewood College has consistently met — and often exceeded — the standards set by these organizations.
When choosing a college, accreditation is important for the following reasons:
- Accreditation determines that an educational program is engaged in the continuous review of its quality, goals and objectives.
- Accreditation assures that the college is accountable for meeting compliance standards recognized by employers and professional associations.
- Accreditation represents the overall quality of a college's educational programs.
- Accreditation means that the credits you earn with one college are more likely to be transferable to other accredited institutions, although each institution makes its own decisions on transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.
Q:
How do I know that Lakewood College's accreditation is legitimate?A:
When you're putting your hard work and money into your education, we understand that you want to be certain that the college of your choice is genuinely and legitimately accredited. That's why we encourage you to take a look at the credentials of our accrediting agencies below.
Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
www.detc.org
Lakewood College is nationally accredited by the DETC, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an official accrediting institution for college and university programs. DETC regularly reviews our curriculum, administrative policies, faculty and instructional services to ensure that we meet their exacting standards of quality. DETC Address: 1601 18th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009
U.S. Department of Education
www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation
The accreditation database is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education. Each of the postsecondary educational institutions and programs contained within the database is, or was, accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a "reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary education" within the meaning of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).
Q:
What are my distance study options at Lakewood College?A:
When it comes to your education, Lakewood College leaves the options up to you. We offer two types of distance study, so take a look at the differences below to determine which method will work best for you.
Through online study you can…
- Receive comprehensive textbooks by mail and/or online
- Access your study guides and online course materials from your computer
Through correspondence study you can…
- Receive comprehensive textbooks and lesson guides/study materials by mail only
Q:
How much time does it take to earn a diploma, degree or certificate?A:
Associate Degree programs are designed to be completed in two (2) years or less, but Lakewood College gives you up to four (4) years from the date of your enrollment to complete your studies and earn your associate degree.
Diplomas & certificate programs are designed to be completed in nine (9) months or less. We allow you up to the time frame of your program from the date of your enrollment to complete your career course.
Q:
Will I have to attend any classes in person?A:
Lakewood's programs are offered 100% online with the option of correspondence study on select programs, so you'll never have to waste time commuting to class or worry about paying for childcare. Study anywhere you want, whenever it's convenient for you!Q:
Do I need any special equipment or software in order to pursue an online degree?A:
All you need is a computer with access to the internet and Microsoft Office software.Q:
Do I have to live in the U.S. in order to take Lakewood College courses?A:
No. You do not have to live in the U.S. or meet any citizenship/residence/visa requirements in order to take any of Lakewood's online or correspondence courses.Q:
I've been out of school for a long time. Will I have trouble at Lakewood College?A:
That depends, but we'll help you if you do. Our high quality curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students returning to school and/or juggling multiple priorities (education, career, family, etc.). Our instructors are available to assist you with your coursework and guide you through the program of your choice. We are deeply committed to the success of our students and will help you every step of the way. In addition, tutoring is available to all of our students at no additional cost.Q:
What do I need to do in order to enroll at Lakewood College's today?A:
You'll need to complete our online enrollment application here. Or you can contact a Lakewood College admissions advisor by phone at 1-800-517-0857 and provide a low initial payment to enroll and get started.Q:
How soon after enrolling at Lakewood College can I start my first course?A:
You won't have to wait at all! All of Lakewood's programs are available on an open enrollment basis, so there's no waiting for a new session or semester to begin. You can get started anytime and progress through your studies independently, at your own pace.
Once you've decided on your program, simply fill out our online application or speak with an admissions advisor by calling 1-800-517-0857. Within 24 hours of receiving your completed application, we'll send your first course textbook and study materials, which are included in your tuition. All you need to get started is a computer with access to the internet and Microsoft Office software!
Q:
Do you offer any student loans at Lakewood College?A:
Our interest-free monthly payment plan is an attractive alternative to student loans. There are never any finance charges or interest fees, so you can graduate without being thousands of dollars in debt like you might at other schools that only offer traditional student loans.Q:
Are there any other fees I will need to pay in addition to tuition?A:
At Lakewood College, we keep your fees to a minimum by simply covering our costs to process your application and ship your materials. Shipping and handling within the U.S. costs $35 for most programs. (It is $150 for international shipments.) We also charge an administrative fee that amounts to whichever is less — $200 or 20% of your price. That's it. Everything else is included in your tuition. Q:
What is your cancellation policy?A:
We offer a no-questions asked, money back refund if you cancel within the first 5 days of your enrollment. Only you can cancel your enrollment — we will never cancel without your consent and official request.
If you cancel your enrollment after the first five days, you may be entitled to a refund or you may owe the school additional tuition. This is based on the number of lessons you've completed and the tuition you've paid. Any amount you owe or are due to receive will be determined by the Tuition Protection Agreement printed on the back of your Enrollment Agreement.
Q:
Does Lakewood College accept credits from other universities?A:
Yes. You may receive credit for up to 75% of your degree as a combination of transfer credits from other institutions and life/work experience.Q:
Will my Lakewood College credits transfer to other schools?A:
Yes, but the acceptance of those credits is left to the discretion of the receiving school. The decision whether to accept transfer credit is usually determined by the similarity of courses completed to courses offered.Q:
How will I receive my course and study materials?A:
Course materials are sent automatically upon enrollment via mail or via access to the online student portal. If you are up to date on your tuition payments and your exam submissions, you will receive your printed textbooks, workbooks, study guides and other materials by mail in a timely manner. You may have immediate access to online study materials and lessons.Q:
How will assignments, exams and grading be handled?A:
You will upload a variety of course assignments online directly to your instructor. They are graded by your instructor within one week with helpful feedback and comments. Some assignments will be graded instantly and automatically. Exams and quizzes are taken online and grades are posted immediately. All grades and assignments are maintained in your confidential student folder.Q:
Who can I contact if I'm having difficulty with my studies?A:
You can call, email or mail your instructors anytime, or you can get advice from other students in your course online. This way you're never alone in trying to find answers to the questions that will help you succeed.Q:
Is there a graduation ceremony?A:
Yes. Each year, Lakewood College graduates are invited to a graduation ceremony where they can celebrate their success with family and friends.Q:
How soon after I graduate will I get my diploma?A:
Your diploma and transcript will be mailed to you within 30 days of graduating. Your account balance must be paid in full in order for you to graduate.Q:
How can I get a copy of my diploma or transcript from Lakewood?A:
Lakewood College's transcripts must be requested in writing by contacting student services at 1-800-517-0857. You may also send your written request by fax to 216-803-9899. The first transcript is at no cost to you. Each additional transcript costs $5, and payment must be received before the transcript will be sent.Q:
Do you offer career assistance?A:
At your request, Lakewood College will provide you with:
- A letter of recommendation
- A review and critique of your résumé
- A copy of your transcript
- A listing of job search books
- The opportunity to have any prospective employers call us to discuss your educational program, when they are ready to make a hiring decision
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