Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Brown Mackie College Accredited?

A: Yes. All 19 Brown Mackie College locations are accredited, either nationally by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) or regionally by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Q: Is There Help Available to Find Part-time Work While I Complete my Program of Study?

A: The Career Services staff at all Brown Mackie College locations is in contact with potential employers to assist students in securing part-time jobs. These part-time jobs are usually not in your field of study, but some may be. You must register with the Career Services department to be considered for part-time job leads. We cannot promise that you will get a part-time job in your field or any part-time job.

Q: Is the Assessment of Skills for Successful Entry and Transfer (ASSET) Test Hard? Why Will I Have to Take it?

A: Incoming students at all Brown Mackie College locations complete the ASSET test to assess their preparedness to undertake college-level coursework in English and/or mathematics. The ASSET test is not an admissions test. It measures reading, language, and math literacy. Students identified as needing additional English and/or math skills may have to enroll in transitional courses to improve their skills. If you score above a certain threshold you will not be required to take either math or English, so it is important that you do your best on the ASSET test.

Q: What are Transitional Courses and Who Has to Take Them?

A: These courses are an opportunity for students to strengthen their skills in math and English. All new students are scheduled to participate in transitional math and English. Brown Mackie College recognizes that students come with many strengths and skill sets. These courses are designed to help build and strengthen the basic foundation skills in math and English so that students can successfully complete their course requirements of college-level math and English.

Q: What is the Difference Between Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates?

A: A bachelor's degree is awarded at the completion of a four-year program, and an associate’s degree is awarded at the completion of a two-year program. A program resulting in receipt of a diploma is generally less of a time commitment and is structured to provide students with a specific skill set. A certificate is awarded at the completion of a series of courses that prepare students for employment in a selected vocation. A certificate may be earned while preparing for an associate’s degree.

Q: How Much Money Do Your Graduates Usually Make?

A: Starting salaries vary and depend on your skills, qualifications, attitude, and work ethic. Other factors that may also play a role are market conditions at the time of your graduation and typical salary ranges for entry-level employees in your field of study.

Q: Do You Provide Employment Assistance to Alumni?

A: Limited services are available to alumni, depending on their specific career interest and our knowledge of job opportunities that match their interest and skills. The level of assistance provided will depend on resources available at a particular Brown Mackie College locations. Alumni may register with the Career Services office and use the career services resources at any Brown Mackie College locations for a job search. Generally, the job opportunities presented to us are entry-level and more appropriate for recent graduates.

Q: How Long Will It Take Me to Get a Job After I Graduate?

A: The time it takes for you to become employed depends on, among other things, your individual skills, abilities, attitudes, work ethic, your job requirements, your willingness to relocate, the market, and the economy. You should begin to work with your Career Services advisor early in your program to develop a job search strategy.

Q: What Relationship Does the School Have With Employers?

A: The Brown Mackie College system of schools actively identifies and builds relationships with potential employers. Each Brown Mackie College Career Services department identifies potential local employers, builds partnerships with them, maintains contact with employers who have previously hired our students, invites prospective employers to portfolio reviews, encourages internships, and posts job openings.

Q: If I Didn't Finish My Brown Mackie College Education, What Should I do to Re-enroll?

A: The Assistant Director of Readmissions at the last Brown Mackie College location you attended can assist you in either returning to that location, or transferring to another Brown Mackie College locations.

Q: Do All Schools Within the Brown Mackie College System of Schools Offer the Same Programs?

A: There are more than 30 programs at different credential levels offered across the Brown Mackie College system of schools. Program offerings vary by location. While schools within the Brown Mackie College system of schools offer similar programs, curricula vary among schools to address regional needs and specific state regulatory and accrediting commission criteria and employability.

Q: How Much Will I Have to Spend on Books and Supplies?

A: The cost of your books and supplies will vary depending on your chosen program of study. Total costs for books and supplies typically range between $320 and $675 per quarter. These costs are not included in your tuition costs.

Q: How Do You Develop Your Curriculum?

A: Every Brown Mackie College location offers market-driven education programs. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of the marketplace, and are competency-based and learner-centered. We develop curriculum by asking experts in the field and employers to define what skills, knowledge, and abilities employees need. Then, a task force comprised of faculty, department directors, and deans begin to develop curricula based on input gathered and conforming to education and accreditation regulations.

Q: Will There Be Equipment Available at the School When I Need It?

A: Use of instructional equipment will be made available to you according to your programs curriculum. The Brown Mackie College system of schools cannot guarantee hands-on usage of any equipment beyond what is called for in the curriculum. Students will be able to acquire an understanding of the fundamental principles of the software and hardware that they would encounter in an entry-level position in the field. Equipment must be shared by students. To complete the requirements of the program, each student may find it necessary to schedule use of the equipment outside normal classroom hours.

Q: Do I Need To Buy a Computer To Attend Brown Mackie College?

A: Depending on your programs of study, you may find that having a personal computer is helpful and convenient, but it is not required.

Q: Will the School Give Out Information About Me To My Parents?

A: If your parents claim you as a dependent on their federal tax return, the school may send information to them. However, if you are not claimed as a dependent, the school generally will not disclose information about you without your written consent, subject to certain exceptions permitted by law.

Q: How Will I Be Graded?

A: Faculty will grade you based on your ability to achieve the stated course competencies for the class. A course competency describes what a student needs to achieve in a certain course. Faculty may ask you to demonstrate your proficiency of course competencies through papers, projects, tests, small group work, demonstrations, or oral presentations. Individual course outcomes are identified on the course syllabi. You are expected to make satisfactory academic progress while enrolled at a Brown Mackie College locations. To graduate, you must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. The grading scale and complete policy can be found in the current school catalog.

Q: Do You Guarantee Financial Aid?

A: No. Financial aid is only available for those who qualify. Each student’s financial situation is different. A student/family must complete a number of applications, and sometimes provide supporting documentation. These applications will result in a determination of whether a student and/or family is eligible. If certain conditions are met, generally a U.S. citizen is at least eligible for loans to assist in paying a portion of educational costs.

Q: Can You Fill Out My Financial Aid and Loan Forms For Me?

A: No. Someone in the Student Financial Services department may assist you, if necessary, with the proper completion of forms after you have provided the supporting information. However, you and your family are responsible for the accurate completion of all financial aid forms.

Q: What Is the Faculty’s Level of Expertise? Are All Instructors Practicing Professionals?

A: Brown Mackie College system of schools faculty members’ qualifications meet or exceed required accreditation standards. These standards include earned degrees and/or significant professional experience. Many instructors are or have been practicing professionals in the areas in which they teach.

Q: Will Full-Time Faculty Teach My Classes?

A: Both full-time and adjunct faculty teach classes within the Brown Mackie College system of schools. You will most likely have both full-time and adjunct instructors in the courses you take.

Q: Can I Choose the Classes I Want To Take?

A: There is a limited amount of flexibility built into your programs. Each program offered at your Brown Mackie College locations follows a typical course sequence to ensure all graduates achieve the expected program outcomes. You must take all of the required courses outlined in your program of study to graduate or transfer in the equivalent courses. To graduate, you must demonstrate that you have met the program outcomes identified in your program.

Q: Will I have To Take Courses Every Month of Every Quarter?

A: Brown Mackie College programs and schedules are designed to allow you to complete your chosen program without interruption. In this way, you can complete your program and begin your career more quickly. If you choose to interrupt your studies, there may be financial aid and/or tuition issues that should be discussed with the Student Financial Services department prior to doing so.

Q: Will I Have To Attend College Full-Time?

A: Yes. Brown Mackie College programs are designed for full-time students. However, you may elect to reduce your course load. Please note that this will delay your graduation and you may incur additional cost. In addition, a reduction in the number of credits you are taking may affect the amount of financial aid for which you qualify.

Q: Can I Choose the Time of Day I Want to Take Classes?

A: Each school within the Brown Mackie College system of schools schedules its courses and publishes a class schedule on a monthly basis. Classes are offered throughout the morning, afternoon, evening and on Saturdays, depending on location and programs. We ask that you remain flexible, as individual class offerings may not always be available at the time of day you prefer. While Brown Mackie College schools attempt to offer courses at various times of the day, this may not always be possible. Also, all courses are not offered every month. If you enroll in an evening program, you will not be required to attend day classes. Day students will not be required to take evening classes.