Importance of Various Types of Accreditations: Regional vs National Accreditation

Choosing between regional and national accreditation is a crucial decision when picking a college or university. Accreditation, whether at the national or regional level, significantly influences various aspects that can affect you both as a student and post-graduation. Factors like costs, credit transferability when switching schools, employability, tuition reimbursement, and employer background checks are all impacted by the type of accreditation your institution holds.

Understanding the disparities between national and regional institutional accreditation is vital. It not only plays a pivotal role during your academic journey but also has long-term implications for your career. Exploring why accreditation matters, along with practical tips to verify your college or university's accreditation status, can guide you in making informed decisions about your education.

How Are Colleges Accredited?

Educational institutions undergo either regional or national accreditation, a voluntary process ensuring they meet universal standards of quality. This accreditation, whether regional or national, grants credibility to colleges, universities, and degree programs, establishing trust with other institutions and employers. It's important to note that institutional accreditation differs from programmatic accreditation, which will be discussed later.

Contrary to common belief, the accreditation of educational institutions and programs is not conducted by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). Instead, the USDOE and the non-profit Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) supervise the accreditation process, reviewing federally-recognized agencies responsible for setting these standards. The method of program delivery, whether online, on-campus, or a combination, is inconsequential in the accreditation process. All institutions answer to the same governing bodies to ensure students receive a quality education.

National Accreditation

National accreditation agencies focus on accrediting trade and vocational schools, along with career programs offering certifications and degrees. Various recognized national accreditation agencies include:

Distance Education & Training Council (DETC)

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)

Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission (TRACS)

Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)

Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)

Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)

Council on Occupational Education (COE)

Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCS)

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)*

Regional Accreditation

Regional accreditation agencies oversee institutions with a focus on academics, particularly state-owned or non-profit colleges and universities. In the U.S., six regional accrediting agencies are responsible for overseeing institutions within their specific clusters of states.

Council of Higher Education Commission

Centre of Academic Excellence

Council of Higher Education Commission is an American accreditation and equalization granting body for academic institutes and individuals. Council of Higher Education Commission mission is to ensure that all the accredited institute meets pre-determined standard of education in the industry. Council of Higher Education Commission is thought to be the largest independent accreditation body in the world.

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