Regional Accreditation
Regional Accreditation is the most prestigious form of accreditation. Accreditation agencies under this branch work only with academically orientated, non-profit institutions. There are six Regional Accreditation agencies currently recognized by the Council for Higher Education and the U.S. Department of Education. Each agency is responsible for a certain region of the United States.
Beyond these six, many Regional Accrediting agencies have subset agencies that focus on vocational schools or other specific types of universities. All must meet the same rigorous set of standards. The following set of articles provide detailed descriptions on each type of Regional Accrediting organization.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
The most important item to consider when determining a school's credibility is to make sure that the school is accredited by appropriate organizations. Degrees from unaccredited schools do not have the same status that degrees from accredited schools do, something that many students discover too late.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a division of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), provides accreditation to universities and colleges in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., as well as in a few other select locations. States that the MSCHE serves include Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland; it also serves Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The MSCHE, and other accrediting organizations, serve multiple purposes: to foster educational progress, to act as gatekeepers to maintain educational standards, and to provide a consistent yardstick by which to gauge an institution's effectiveness. The MSCHE evaluates schools as a whole, not merely programs within a school.
"The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources."
The MSCHE enforces strict standards when it comes to accrediting degree-granting institutions, thereby reinforcing public trust in its evaluations. The organization is a voluntary membership association; colleges and universities are assessed through peer-to-peer reviews based on a dedication to continuous improvement.
The MSCHE defines educational excellence within the context of each member institution's mission; these vary depending on the types of degrees granted as well as other factors. The primary focus is on student learning and effective teaching, as well as each institution's responsiveness to evolving global and societal needs. The MSCHE is committed to maintaining a transparent accreditation process, wherein each member institution's status is clearly defined.
Through the accreditation process, colleges and universities are able to regulate and improve upon their offerings, as well as benefit from interactions with peer institutions. Students who make sure their school of choice is accredited will benefit from this drive to improve educational effectiveness.
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article ReferencesMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
Back to the Top
New England Association of Schools and Colleges – CIHE
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is the non-governmental, regionally accrediting body for the six states that constitute New England: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Founded in 1885, the association is the oldest regionally accrediting body in the US, and through one of their 6 commissions, the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE), accredits degree-granting colleges and universities. The commission also accredits institutions in 8 foreign countries ranging from Bermuda to Bulgaria.
The commission is recognized by the US Secretary of Education as a trusted and reliable accrediting authority. The commission is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), as it meets the council's strict expectations of quality, improvement, and accountability.
The goals of the commission are twofold. The commission strives to assure students of its accredited institutions of a quality education that meets the high standards set by the commission. At the same time, the commission tries to encourage and assist in the improvement, effectiveness, and excellence of all its affiliated institutions through the assessment and accreditation process. Most broadly, the commission requires its accredited institutions to set a clearly defined and appropriate purpose, have the resources and organization to achieve the purpose, and show current evidence of the purpose being achieved. The commission publishes its standards in length and detail on their website for the public to view at anytime.
The commission takes several measures to ensure that its accredited institutions are meeting and maintaining the standards that it has set. In accordance with the commission's policy of periodic review, accredited institutions must undergo a comprehensive evaluation every 10 years. Newly accredited institutions must undergo such an evaluation every 5 years. An extensive voluntary panel of experts of various fields conducts the reviews. Accredited institutions are also subject to internal review through mandated reports.
In summary, the commission is a trusted, and the oldest, authority on accreditation for degree granting colleges and universities in the territory of New England, and several overseas institutions. The commission requires its accredited colleges and universities to maintain elevated standards characteristic of the best and leading higher education institutions in the nation.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article Resources:NEASC CIHE Official Website
NEASC Official Website
Back to the Top
New England Association of Schools and Colleges – CTCI
The Commission on Technical and Career Institutions (CTCI), part of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, is an accrediting institution for secondary and post-secondary educational institutions that focus on technical and trade education. CTCI covers schools in Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and also select overseas programs.
The accreditation process relies both on each member institution's self-regulation and also on peer review and analysis by the Commission. Post-secondary schools accredited by CTCI include those that offer non-degree, associate degree, and baccalaureate programs, depending on the school. However, as of the end of 2008, the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education will be responsible for degree-granting institutions previously accredited by the CTCI.
The CTCI has multiple goals, all designed to ensure that member institutions meet rigorous standards on behalf of their students. First and foremost, CTCI develops criteria that evaluate educational effectiveness. As part of this process, CTCI encourages institutions to always evaluate themselves and to improve themselves accordingly. CTCI's accreditation process is also designed to ensure public confidence in the institutions they accredit. Finally, CTCI provides support to existing institutions, as well as new institutions, and works to protect institutions from threats to academic quality.
The accreditation process provides a framework for the schools themselves to assess and evaluate their educational quality, as well as a framework for the public to judge an institution's merit. It benefits all stakeholders - institutional faculty and staff, current students, prospective students, and the public at large.
The collaborative nature of peer review is a powerful tool for ascertaining what works and what does not work at each member institution. The CTCI accreditation process takes into account the identified mission of each institution and how well that mission is being achieved, as well as independent CTCI membership standards. Students who enroll in CTCI-accredited schools can be assured that their program meets the necessary standards for a productive technical career.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Technical and Career Institutions is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article Resources:The New England Association of Schools and Colleges: CTCI
Back to the Top
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – HLC
Post secondary accreditation is an assurance for all students, teachers or community members that their school of choice not only meets, but also surpasses new regional, national and international expectations for higher learning. Regional accreditation is the most respected level of accreditation in the United States. There are seven different regionally accrediting bodies for post secondary education; the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) for the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS) is one of the oldest and most respected of these seven.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS) consists of two commissions that accredit institutes in the North Central region of the United States. These Commissions are the Higher Level Commission (HLC), which grants accreditation to degree-granting higher education schools and the Commission of Accreditation and School Improvement (CASI), which grants accreditation to elementary, secondary and non-degree granting post secondary schools.
The HLC includes over 50 online and campus colleges in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The Core Values of the NCACS HLCRecognised by the US Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), the NCACS HLC has made it their mission for over a century to advance the quality of higher education. Their core values of quality, integrity, innovation, diversity, inclusiveness, service, collaboration and learning are the basis used to promote a continuous increase in the standard of post secondary education in the North Central region.
The NCACS HLC Accreditation Process
The NCACS HLC accreditation process is based on five criteria with a self-study analysis performed by the institute and an evolution and review by the Higher Learning Commission team. The criteria include the following: mission and integrity; preparing for the future; student learning and effective teaching; acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge; and engagement and service. Once accreditation has been granted, the HLC will perform a review every ten years to ensure the school continues to thrive and surpass the standards.
Because the process is so selective and precise, you can be assured your education is at the highest level of integrity, innovation and learning.
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article Resources:The Higher Learning Commission
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Back to the Top
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement
The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees (NCACASI) was created in 1895 as a non-governmental, regionally accrediting body. The association accredits non-degree granting post secondary institutions, which includes a wide range of adult vocational schools and career enhancement programs as well as K - 12 schools. The association is also recognized as a reliable accrediting authority by the US Secretary of Education. The association is responsible for accrediting schools in 19 states, mostly located within the middle region of the US, as well as the Navajo Nation and the U.S. Department of Defense Schools.
The goals of this association are detailed and proactive, however the overarching focus is simple, and that is to make sure schools provide the very best quality of education for the student. To become accredited by this association, schools must meet strict regulations, some of which include hiring only high caliber teachers, providing a rich and diverse curriculum, and continually offering the student greater access to financial aid opportunities. The association also requires its accredited schools to provide a range of extracurricular activities for students as well as enhanced student support services.
The association is always working toward reaching its set goals. In April of 2006 the association joined with other nationally recognized, regionally accrediting bodies to form Advance-Ed. Advance-Ed streamlines accreditation knowledge by considering the multiple perspectives of all its members. Furthermore, the National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE) is an alliance of Advance-Ed and provides sound and tested research on school improvement. With this research Advance-Ed can adjust accreditation principles and practices to be in accord with the findings of the NSSE. Advance-Ed also continues to make sure that schools accredited by its members are maintaining high standards through periodic internal and external reviews.
The association strives to also maintain a global understanding of accreditation standards as it collaborates with the Council on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). This international council is the worldwide leader in accreditation, and holds all its members and partners to the highest standards attainable. By connecting with national and international organizations more benefits are added for the student. Since organizations such as Advance-Ed and CITA are recognized all over the world, a student can more easily transfer to another school, whether the new school is in another state or another country.
In summary, the association is a long-standing trusted authority on school accreditation, whose foremost goal is to provide the best possible education for students. The association provides checks and balances on itself through its own internal practices and by aligning itself with both the national and international community. The association also uses research-based practices to ensure legitimate school improvement through the accreditation process. Most importantly the association takes measures to continually motivate its accredited schools by to provide the best education for students and to have that education financially accessible to the greatest amount of students.
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Article Resources:NCACASI Official Website
Advance-Ed Official Website
CITA Official Website
Back to the Top
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is a regionally accrediting body, the most respected form of accreditation. When attending a post-secondary school with regional accreditation you will be assured that you are receiving a high quality education at a respected and distinguished institution.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is one of the most eminent accreditation firms in America, recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Educations Accreditation (CHEA). The NWCCU accredits 162 post secondary schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.
The Principles of NWCCUNWCCU prides itself, and its accredited schools, on fostering excellence and encouraging improvement through a continuous self-improvement process. They counsel, offer assistance and suggest improvements to developed and distinguished schools in the region to ensure the educational quality in the Northwest is not only up to par, but also surpasses the national standards. Student education is of the utmost importance and NWCCU acts as the governor in charge of ensuring the schools in their Northwest region promote excellence through a serious of standardizations and criteria based evaluations.
NWCCU also keeps the general and educational community up to date on their accredited schools so the institutes continue to thrive with public support and student involvement.
Accreditation Requirements
To become accredited by the NWCCU a post secondary school is put through a rigorous criteria-based analysis based on the following six steps: an application, which looks at the institute's plan, budget and catalogue; a self-study analysis, which examines the institutes resources, effectiveness, activities and student achievement, performance and commensuration process; a candidacy, which acts as another application by the institute; the evaluation and decision process, which involves all 26 members of the Commission; accreditation, which is granted for three years followed by another evaluation; and finally, annual payments which vary depending on the income of the newly-accredited institute.
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article Resources:Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Back to the Top
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
One of the important factors to consider when looking into post-secondary schools is whether or not they are accredited. Accreditation is completely voluntary for an educational institute; however, accreditation guarantees that the school promotes a high level of learning that puts the education of their students first and foremost. Regional accreditation is the most respected level of accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is one of seven regionally accrediting bodies in the United States.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is dedicated to ensuring that their accredited institutions surpass the level of standard in learning. While the Council on Accredited and School Improvement (CASI) focuses on elementary, middle and high school accreditation, the Commission on Colleges and Schools (COCS) is responsible for the accreditation of post secondary institutions in eleven Southern states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
The COCS is recognised by the Department of Education as a leading national accreditation agency that focuses on enhancing the educational system in the Southern region. The mission of the COCS is to ensure their schools have the resources and services to accomplish and sustain a higher standard of education.
IntegrityThe principle of integrity is the COCS's underlying belief and they use various forms of peer evaluation, self-study analysis and commissioner reviews in order to ensure the institute in question is at the highest level of integrity. This includes the fulfilment of the core requirements, the comprehensive standards, the federal requirements and the adherence to the Commission's strict policies.
The Accreditation Criteria
The institute in question will undergo a long process to ensure they are up to the standards of accreditation. This includes an evaluation of the following components: a clearly defined institutional mission; a capable Governing and Administration board and faculty, institutional effectiveness related to goals, outcomes and improvements; program sufficiency and variety at an undergraduate and graduate level; adequate learning and library resources; financial stability; student affairs support; and physical resources.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article References
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The U.S. Department of Education
Back to the Top
Western Association of Schools and Colleges – ACCJC
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC ACCJ) is an organization whose purpose is to make certain that these post-secondary schools meet certain standards in order to become accredited. Accreditation is important because it means that the educational system in a learning institution - in this case community and junior colleges--has been thoroughly investigated and evaluated. Therefore, a student can not only be confident that the classes will be valuable, but also that future employers will look at the educational background of a job applicant from an accredited school with credibility. It is also vital that schools are accredited because students who wish to participate in Title IV student financial aid programs are not be able eligible if they are enrolled in a non-accredited institution.
Guidelines for WASC accreditation are all based on what the organization gives as what it calls its "central tenet"; that is, "a school operates with a clear understanding of its purpose." Also considered vital to the accreditation process is the fact that the criteria used for evaluation purposes was developed by a group of educational leaders which included classroom teachers who understand what qualities make for effective schools.
In addition to the specific requirements and standards for education set by the accrediting commission, students in these community and junior colleges are also regularly asked to rate the quality of their instruction and other factors relating to their education. Therefore, the accredited status of these institutions reflects both the commission's findings and the opinions of the students who have actually attended classes at these schools.
Two-year colleges which offer an associate degree in the following areas comprise the western region of this accrediting commission: California and Hawaii, the territories of Guam, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Pacific Basin, and East Asia. Certain areas of the Pacific and East Asia where American/International schools or colleges are located are also included.
For accreditation purposes, WASC ACCJ looks at four specific areas of each school: Organization for Student Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, Support for Student Personal and Academic Growth, and Resource Management and Development.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article ReferencesWestern Association of Schools and Colleges
The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Back to the Top
Western Association of Schools and Colleges - ACS
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of the 6 non-governmental, regionally accrediting bodies in the US. The association presides over public and private schools located in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Marianas, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and over the American/International Schools in East Asia and the Pacific.
Through one of its 3 commissions, the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS), the association accredits schools below the college level. This includes elementary, junior high, middle, and high school levels as well as adult vocational programs. Recently, the commission has been working with 14 other associations in a commendable effort to pilot the accreditation of supplementary and distance learning programs on a case-by-case basis. The commission is recognized by the US Secretary of Education as a reliable accrediting authority, and prides itself on working with the federal and state governments on a collaborative level.
The goals of the commission are straightforward. It strives to ensure that all of its accredited schools program initiatives promote and provide successful student learning. The commission believes that educational programs should encompass both the cognitive and affective components of learning in order to foster human growth and development so all students have the best opportunity to become responsible, productive members of the school community and of society.
The commission uses research-based guidelines in establishing the criteria that it uses to evaluate schools. The criterion focuses around one central tenet; the schools understanding and achieving of an appropriate purpose for its institution type. The commission ensures that its accredited institutions meet its set criteria through regularly scheduled visits by an experienced and knowledgeable committee. The commission's accredited schools are also subject to internal review through a mandated comprehensive self-study program.
In summary, the commission is a trusted accrediting authority for several territories in the western hemisphere. The commission accredits schools below the college level, and is leading the way in accrediting supplementary and distance learning programs. The goals of the commission are to have its accredited schools proactively facilitate successful student learning, and are achieved through the research-based criteria used to assess schools in the accreditation process.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education.
Article ReferencesWASC ACS Official Website
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Back to the Top
Western Association of Schools and Colleges – SCU
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities (WASC ACSCU) is a regional non-profit program that oversees accreditation of the private and public higher education institutions in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Federate States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the Pacific Basin, and East Asia. American and International schools in the Pacific area and Asia may apply for services with WASC ACSCU. The Western Association of Schools was formed in 1962 to support excellence in education. Accreditation by this organization ensures that schools offering a baccalaureate or graduate degree provide effective, research-based education to students and follow the WASC ACSCU Accreditation Handbook during their accreditation process and after. This resource for schools was completely rewritten in the year 2000 after extensive research by the Commission and with the collaboration of the higher learning institutions that they accredit. Their goals are to provide accreditation to colleges and universities without placing an undue burden on the institutions themselves.
The evidence of accreditation by WASC ACSCU can be a resource for potential students. Accreditation by WASC ACSCU, or any other regional accreditation organization, is a voluntary process that an institution may seek in order to provide proof of excellence and distinction in the learning community. Accreditation is granted to an institution after an involved review process. A school that is accredited by the WASC ACSCU is proven to be meeting its own missions and goals as well as adhering to the four WASC ACSCU Standards.
The Standards are broad to allow for the accreditation of many different types of institutions. The first standard requires an institution to develop educational objectives and purpose. The second standard governs the core functions of an institution, such as teaching and learning as well as student support, to ensure that these functions support the purpose and educational objectives of the institution. Standard three asks the institution to create and implement resources that will ensure the sustainability of the institutions goals and objectives. The fourth standard requires an institution to create an organization that is responsible for assessing the educational effectiveness of the program through discussions that will inform future instruction and determine the course of action for the institution.
WASC ACSCU provides a Member Directory detailing the accredited schools and links to school websites and telephone numbers. The Member Directory contains information regarding the date the institution initially received accreditation and what types of action the WASC ACSCU has needed to take with the institution since its accreditation. When a school initiates a new program, after having already been granted accreditation, the WASC ACSCU will review this program to ensure its compliance.
WASC ACSCU also provides educational seminars to its member schools. These seminars cover timely topics to address common issues that the commission has recently addressed with schools. Educational seminars are also voluntary and provide a significant resource to schools and staff.
Accreditation by WASC ACSCU assures the public that an institution of higher learning is maintaining highly effective, quality programs.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
Article ReferencesWASC ACSCU Website
Back to the Top
