1. What is TRACS and what does Candidacy mean?

TRACS is recognized by both the United States Department of Education (USDOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a national institutional accrediting agency for Christian postsecondary institutions, colleges, universities, and seminaries. We are so excited to finally be in Candidacy with TRACS! Candidacy or pre-accreditation indicates that the institution is in basic compliance with the Standards and Criteria, has been evaluated by an on-site peer team, and in the professional judgment of the evaluation team and the Accreditation Commission, the institution provides sound instruction and student services. You can learn more about this by visiting https://www.tracs.org/TRACS_Institutions.html

2. Does this mean that CCU is now accredited?

No, while candidacy indicates that an institution appears to have the potential to achieve accreditation within the prescribed five-year period, this level of recognition does not guarantee the institution will become accredited. However, this does indicate things are moving in the right direction to help CCU finish their accreditation process. 

3. How does this news affect current students?  

Candidate status is often referred to as “pre-accredited” status. Credits granted by institutions holding Candidate status are generally transferable to other institutions, according to the practices of the receiving institution. 

4. Will current and prospective students be able to apply for Financial Aid? Such as FASFA?

YES! Candidate institutions are eligible to apply for participation in federal financial aid programs. The application process (for CCU to get approval as an institution to offer federal funds), takes months to complete and CCU will notify all students as soon as they are able to apply federal funds to CCU tuition.

5. How does this effect recent graduates? 

CCU alumni can rejoice that their alma mater has been recognized by TRACS as being approved in Pre-Candidacy for accreditation with all the privileges of accreditation! This brings a higher value to their completed degree. It also gives incentive to return to CCU to complete graduate work if desired.