Is TRACS a lifeline or propping up failing schools?

With there being almost 6,000 colleges and universities in the U.S., does it benefit the surrounding communities to keep these small, private universities open with accreditation that limits graduates' employment options?

https://sharperiron.org/filings/3-2-11/18179

https://morrisbrown.edu/another-major-win-for-morris-brown-college-accreditation-application-approved/

https://www.augustachronicle.com/story/news/2020/10/28/paine-college-gets-full-tracs-accreditation/114507788/

https://www.bennett.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Bennett_College_Accreditation_TRACS_FAQ.pdf

https://www.diverseeducation.com/institutions/hbcus/article/15104425/small-private-hbcus-find-lifeline-with-tracs-amid-accreditation-struggles

https://www.diverseeducation.com/opinion/article/15291474/getting-back-on-track-with-tracs-an-accreditation-agency-blazing-a-trail-for-small-hbcus

 

It does on a couple of accounts. The first is that it has been a help to historically black colleges that otherwise might have gone out of existence. Perhaps they are worth saving and represent something.

The second thing is that although what were called nationally accredited or religiously accredited colleges don't necessarily have the utility of what were referred to as regionally accredited colleges, they still do have utility and are useful for gaining employment and even gaining access to graduate schools. Even regionally accredited graduate schools. So, students should make informed decisions but they are still earning an accredited degree.

Finally, the US Department of Education determined that there is not any substantive qualitative differences between what were called national accreditors and what we referred to as regional accreditors. They therefore now call them simply institutional accreditors.

American students need to research institutions and their options fully before enrolling. A student needs to carefully consider before enrolling in the University of Phoenix due to potential limitations. But if it meets their needs based on their own assessment then that is a choice they make.

 

As someone with convictions that are similar to Dr. Henry Morris and the others who founded TRACS, it is rather apparent to me that the accreditor is no longer accrediting only theologically conservative institutions. However, I think TRACS still has an important role, and I am glad it exists.