National Accreditation
National Accrediting agencies are not limited to one specific region, as is the case with Regional Accreditation agencies. Further, National Accrediting agencies focus on approving career, vocational, and trade schools. As a result, these schools tend to be less expensive, require less general coursework, and feature a more practical, career-orientated curriculum.
If this sounds appealing to you, the following accrediting agencies are reputable and accepted by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
The ACICS was established in 1912 and has been recognized by the United States government since 1956 as a national accrediting council. Today, the ACICS is acknowledged by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as an authority on educational standards.
As a national accrediting agency, ACICS focuses on schools which emphasize career training and independent education, rather than public institutions, which typically fall under the observation of regional accrediting agencies.
It is the goal of the ACICS to promote growth in education through ensured quality of practices, curriculum, and administration. Accreditation is granted primarily to degree-granting independent career schools, colleges, and institutions throughout the United States. There is evaluation and accreditation extended to US institutions abroad, as well.
Business practices are also scrutinized to guarantee the highest standard of ethical practice by higher learning schools. This commitment to student interests is designed to protect the integrity of the education system as well as the well being of learners.
ACICS operates as an organization in Virginia with offices in Washington, D.C. As is true of most accrediting agencies, ACICS works collaboratively with the US Department of Education and the state of the school under review to determine accreditation status. The three organizations act as checks on one another to ensure the highest quality evaluation.
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
Back to the TopAccrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
The Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology has a wide ranging scope. It recognizes private, post-secondary, non-degree, degree-granting educational institutions, which include those that offer associate, bachelor's, and master's programs. Most schools under the umbrella of the ACCSCT operate to provide students with vocational training in a number of different fields. All of the members of the commission are elected onto the board, so they must pass certain requirements in experience had and credentials earned.
ACCSCT has been evaluating and accrediting private, post-secondary colleges and universities since 1967. It is the primary accreditor of vocational and technical schools throughout the country and has become one of the most well respected accreditors for distant learning schools. ACCSCT is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a private, non-profit independent accrediting agency. ACCSCT's mission is to continue to be an authority on educational quality, so is can provide more opportunities for students and help in developing a highly-trained, competitive workforce.
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
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Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
Back to the TopAccrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training has been aiming to inspire and promote quality-oriented continuing education and training since 1978. ACCET is officially recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education and the International Organization for Standardization. The accrediting council focuses on institutions that offer non-collegiate continuing education and training programs. Their service sets them apart from most accrediting bodies because it is not exclusively dedicated college institutions.
The institutions accredited by the ACCET are organizations, rather than colleges, that provide educational resources and training within corporations or companies. These continuing education and training programs are spread throughout the United States as private career schools, corporate training departments, intensive English teaching programs, trade associations, labor union training programs, religious organizations, public affairs societies, and volunteer organizations. ACCET is a voluntary affiliation of organizations committed to regulating continuing education programs through peer review and evaluation processes.
Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
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Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
Back to the TopAssociation for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
The Association for Biblical Higher Education is the result of an over 100 year old educational tradition called the Bible College Movement. Starting in the late nineteenth century Christian missionaries came to North America, which resulted in hundreds, and today thousands, of Christian founded colleges and universities.
The Association for Biblical Higher education began in 1947, but has its roots in the Bible College Movement. Today there are nearly 100 accredited institutions under the wing of the association in Canada, the United States and related territories. ABHE accredited schools have some similarities to their forebears. The association still requires its accredited schools to require students to pass a core of biblical and theological studies, along with general studies and professional studies.
Promoting excellence and forging a new mold for Christian education is on the top of ABHE's priority list. Along with undergraduate education, a growing number of the ABHE accredited institutions have been able to establish their own seminaries and graduate divisions, and found their place in the academic research circle.
Association for Biblical Higher Education is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Back to the TopAssociation of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)
The non-profit accreditation agency of the Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools , or otherwise known at AARTS, is a New York base agency recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. There are around 60 programs of the Rabbinical and Talmudic studies that boast the accrediting seal of AARTS.
AARTS is an independently run organization, made up of experts in the field of Rabbinical and Talmudic training, which sets educational standards in the field throughout the country. There are both undergraduate and graduate programs that fall under the spell of the association's accrediting wand. All of these programs must meet set standards in education, finance and graduate requirements in order to be considered for accreditation.
In the field of Rabbinical and Talmudic education the association sees itself as both a gatekeeper and a historical authority. They aim to hold traditional thought in a modern world through balance of the old and new.
Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)
Back to the TopThe Council on Occupational Education (COE)
The Council on Occupational Education (COE), originally founded in 1971 as a regional accrediting agency of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is the successor to the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions (COEI). In 1995, the Council became a national accrediting agency.
This year, the Council celebrates its 35th year of assuring quality and integrity in career and technical education. The Council's accreditation process is conducted on behalf of more than 233,000 students across the nation who pursue careers in a variety of technical fields.
The Council's membership represents institution in the public, private, Job Corps, Army, Navy, Department of Defense, and private industry sectors, and totals more than 430 institutions that are both associate degree- and non-degree granting education providers.
Recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as an institutional accreditor since its beginning in 1971, the Council's peer-evaluation process has been considered a reliable authority on the quality of education offered by the institutions it accredits.
Council on Occupational Education is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
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The Council on Occupational Education (COE)
Back to the TopNational Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
Ever wonder what kind of training it takes to become a hair dresser, manicure specialist, or spa specialist? The National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences are experts in this field. There are over 1,000 schools under the umbrella of the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, which is an independent accrediting agency. The commission's origins date back to 1969, when the two separate agencies merged into one.
NACCAS is recognized by the US. Department of Education as a national agency as being a valid accrediting agency for institutional accreditation of cosmetology schools. There are over 100,000 students working to earn degrees within schools accredited by the NACCAS.
NACCAS is an established non-profit corporation within the state of Delaware, and specializes in nationally accrediting schools within the small scope of cosmetology all over the country. If you are looking into working in the field of cosmetology, make sure the school you choose is accredited by the NACCAS, to ensure quality, top-bar training.
National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
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National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
Back to the TopTransnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TACCS)
The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools is a recognized accrediting agency by both the United States Department of Education, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. As can probably be seen through the name, TRACS has a focused area of the type of education it overseas. It is a national accrediting agency for Christian institutions, colleges, universities, and seminaries.
TRACS is a voluntary, non-profit organization founded in 1979 that, as a member of the International Network for Quality Assurance, maintains relations worldwide. The schools under the accrediting umbrella of TRACS, however, are all located in the United States and its territories. There are 39 schools total accredited by TRACS, many of which are deemed as being today's best Christian institutions in the country.
No matter what religious affiliation, you can be sure that a TRAC accredited institution adheres to the founding values of the Christian Education movement. TRAC accredited schools can be found in Guam and Taiwan, as well as states such as North Carolina, Washington, Georgia, Massachusetts, California, Illinois, South Carolina, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, and Idaho.
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TACCS)
Back to the TopDistance Education Training Council (DETC)
The Distance Education & Training Council (DETC) is a national accreditation agency, recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education. A non-profit agency, the Distance Education and Training Council is charged with ensuring that distance education institutions (schools, colleges, etc.) continue to maintain and offer a vigorous level of education and learning to all distance learning students. Established in 1926, the DETC works to promote and develop distance learning as a viable alternative to traditional learning systems, regardless of a student`s geographic location.
The Distance Education and Training Council`s Accrediting Commission is the governing body that oversees the accrediting efforts of the organization. Currently the DETC has accredited 87 schools and colleges, encompassing over 500 online degrees, correspondence programs, and other forms of distance education that range from very small, local educational institutions, to large multi-national operations. Established in 1955, the Commission identifies and accredits institutions that `have attained and maintained the standards deemed necessary to operate at a high level of quality.` Typically, this requires that the school must have undergone an intense self-study of its operations, allow the DETC to examine its operations, and submit course materials for evaluation by DETC subject specialists. Colleges and universities must renew their DETC accreditation every 5 years. The Commission accredits schools and colleges by examining their educational, ethical, and business practices, approving only those who meet its strict criteria:
- Have clearly defined and stated mission, goals, and objectives
- State educational objectives clearly, and offer comprehensive, accurate, up-to-date, educationally sound instructional materials, and methods to meet its education objectives;
- Provide adequate student services;
- Provide adequate examination services, attention to individual student differences
- Have students satisfied with the instruction and services received, and have an assessment plan
- Have qualified faculty
- Enroll only students who can be expected to benefit from instruction
- Have honest advertising and promotional practices
- Show financial resources that are adequate enough to carry out obligations to students
- Use fair tuition and refund policies, meeting the DETC tuition cancellation policies
- Have adequate facilities, equipment, and record protection
- Conduct continuous research and self-improvement studies
Distance Education and Training Council is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
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Distance Education Training Council (DETC)
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