The loss of accreditation is a highly impactful event for an institution and its students. But there is one group that may be affected in the most life-changing way – international students who rely on their enrollment at an accredited school to maintain their legal student status in the United States. If an institution loses its accreditation, international students may be forced to transfer to another accredited institution or leave the United States altogether, and do all this within a ridiculously short period of time.

While the impact of the accreditation loss may be more profound for international students, this group may also be more reliant than domestic degree seekers on accreditation as an assurance of educational quality. Outside of the well-known top schools, the accreditation stamp serves as a powerful quality endorsement.

Recognizing the acuteness of the problem, a few changes have been proposed. There is a movement to require institutions to communicate openly and transparently their accreditation efforts to students, including notifying students if reaccreditation is granted conditionally. This may also include a contractual pledge by institutions to help students transition to other accredited institutions within a defined time period if the school loses its accreditation.

At the same time, students may take action themselves. Accreditation loss is rarely sudden. The school’s accreditation status is normally public knowledge and students should task themselves with staying up-to-date on any changes in accreditation status and exploring their options if continued accreditation becomes less than certain. Choosing an institution with a strong historical track record is another path to ensure that the institution’s integrity and, hence, its accreditation is never in doubt.

Education remains one of America’s top exports. Over a million foreign students arrive in the US every year to pursue their studies at accredited schools. Having accreditation support in this highly valuable market may be critical to ensuring that America’s educational dominance remains strong and grows even stronger.