How do HBCUs maintain accreditation, and what happens if they lose it?

Just read about some HBCUs that have lost accreditation in the past, and it's got me worried. How do these colleges maintain their accreditation, and what's the plan if they lose it? Does it affect the students a lot?

Accreditation is essential for colleges and universities to ensure they provide a quality education and maintain access to federal financial aid. HBCUs, like all universities, must meet specific standards and undergo a rigorous review process by an accrediting agency every few years to maintain their accreditation. These standards generally cover their academic programs, faculty qualifications, student support services, and overall institutional operations.

If an HBCU or any other college loses its accreditation, it can affect the students in several ways. Most notably, students would no longer be eligible for federal financial aid, which might make it challenging for some to continue their education. Additionally, degrees from unaccredited institutions are often less respected by employers and graduate programs, making it difficult for students to find work or pursue further education upon graduation.

However, losing accreditation is not the end for a school. They can work towards regaining it by addressing the accrediting agency's concerns and proving they have made the necessary improvements. In the meantime, existing students are often provided support by the school or allowed to transfer to another accredited institution to complete their education. Rest assured that maintaining accreditation is a top priority for colleges, including HBCUs.