When researching higher education history, Lacrosse University often appears in discussions regarding distance learning and academic accreditation. Understanding the background of this institution is essential for former students, employers, and academic researchers who need to verify the validity of its degrees. This guide provides a clear overview of the university’s history, its accreditation status, and how to evaluate similar institutions today.
The History of Lacrosse University
Lacrosse University was a private, distance-learning institution that operated primarily during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was originally based in Louisiana before moving its administrative offices to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. During its years of operation, it marketed itself as an alternative for working professionals seeking to earn degrees through life experience and independent study.
The university offered a wide range of programs, including Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Because it operated before the widespread adoption of modern online learning platforms, its curriculum was largely handled through mail correspondence and independent projects. However, as the demand for online education grew, the institution faced increasing scrutiny from state regulators and educational advocates.
Relocation and Closure
Throughout its history, the institution moved its headquarters multiple times. These moves were often linked to changes in state laws regarding private post-secondary education. By the mid-2000s, the university ceased most of its operations. Today, the official website is no longer active, and the institution is no longer enrolling students or providing official administrative services.
Understanding the Accreditation Status
Accreditation is the process used in the United States to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. For a degree to be widely recognized by other universities and most employers, the school must be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Lacrosse University was never accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. While the institution claimed accreditation from various organizations, such as the World Association of Universities and Colleges (WAUC), these bodies were not officially recognized as legitimate accreditors by federal or state educational authorities.
Why Recognition Matters
When an accrediting body is not recognized by the government, the degrees issued by the school are often considered “unaccredited.” This status has several practical implications for students:
- Credit Transfers: Most regionally accredited colleges will not accept transfer credits from unaccredited institutions.
- Advanced Degrees: Students with an unaccredited undergraduate degree may find it difficult or impossible to enroll in a recognized graduate school.
- Professional Licensing: Many state boards for teaching, nursing, engineering, and psychology require degrees from accredited institutions.
- Employer Acceptance: Many corporations and government agencies perform background checks to ensure an applicant’s degree comes from a recognized school.
The “Degree Mill” Controversy
In various government reports and academic studies, Lacrosse University has been categorized as a “degree mill.” A degree mill is an institution that grants diplomas for a fee but requires little to no meaningful academic work. These entities often capitalize on the “life experience” model to justify granting degrees in very short timeframes.
In 2004, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted an investigation into unaccredited institutions. The report highlighted how some federal employees had used degrees from schools like Lacrosse University to qualify for salary increases or promotions. This investigation led to stricter federal oversight regarding the use of unaccredited degrees in the public sector.
How to Verify a University’s Legitimacy
If you are researching a school and want to ensure it is a legitimate academic institution, there are several reliable steps you can take. Following these steps will help you avoid institutions that lack proper oversight.
1. Check the Database of Accredited Institutions
The most reliable way to verify a school is to use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. If a school does not appear in this database, its degrees may not be recognized for federal financial aid or by other accredited schools.
2. Verify Through CHEA
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) maintains a similar database. They provide information on both regional and national accreditors. This is a helpful resource for identifying whether a school’s accrediting body is itself legitimate.
3. Research the Physical Address
Legitimate universities have established campuses, libraries, and faculty offices. If a school’s address is a P.O. Box or a shared office suite in a state with lax educational regulations, it is a significant red flag.
4. Evaluate the Academic Requirements
Be wary of institutions that offer the following:
- Degrees based solely on “life experience” or a resume review.
- Graduation in a matter of weeks or months rather than years.
- Tuition charged per degree rather than per credit hour or semester.
- A lack of interaction with qualified faculty members.
What to Do if You Hold an Unaccredited Degree
If you previously earned a degree from an institution like Lacrosse University, you may be concerned about how it affects your resume or career. It is important to handle this situation with transparency to avoid potential legal or professional repercussions.
Be Transparent with Employers
If an employer asks about your educational background, it is best to be honest about the school’s status. Claiming a degree from an unaccredited school as a “recognized” degree can sometimes be viewed as resume fraud, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific job requirements.
Seek Credit Evaluation
If you wish to continue your education, contact the admissions office of a recognized, accredited university. Some schools may allow you to take “challenge exams” or use a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to earn legitimate credits for the knowledge you gained, even if they won’t transfer the credits from the unaccredited school directly.
Focus on Certifications
In many industries, professional certifications (such as those in IT, project management, or specialized trade skills) carry significant weight. Earning these from recognized industry leaders can help bolster a resume that may be lacking in traditional academic credentials.
Summary of Key Findings
Lacrosse University represents a specific era in distance education where a lack of regulation allowed unaccredited institutions to flourish. While it provided an avenue for some to feel they were advancing their education, the lack of recognized accreditation ultimately limited the utility of its degrees in the professional and academic worlds.
For anyone performing a background check or considering a new educational program, the lesson is clear: always verify accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA before investing time or money. This ensures that your hard work results in a credential that is respected by peers, employers, and other academic institutions. For more guidance on navigating educational choices and verifying professional credentials, explore our other articles on academic standards and career development.