Skip to main content
  • State Facts
    • State Abbreviations
    • State Trees
    • State Birds
    • State Songs
    • State Flags
    • State Flowers
    • State Newspapers
    • State Nicknames
    • State Quarters
    • Famous People
    • Fun Facts & Trivia
    • Current Events
    • Sports Teams
    • State Tax Forms
    • City Guides
    • White Pages
    • Yellow Pages
    • Area Codes
    • Zip Codes
  • Colleges
    • Colleges & Universities
    • Business Schools
    • Nursing Schools
    • Art & Design Schools
    • Community Colleges
    • Educations & Teaching
    • Criminal Justice
    • Healthcare
    • Science
    • IT Schools
    • Engineering
    • Hospitality
    • Social Science
    • Liberal Arts
    • Vocational
  • Maps
    • United States Map
    • US Capital Cities Map
    • Blank State Outline Maps
  • Study Tools
  • Quizzes
  • Travel

SCHOOL TYPES

SELECT A SCHOOL TYPE:

  • Colleges & Universities
  • Science Schools
  • Liberal Arts Schools
  • Engineering Schools
  • Hospitality Schools
  • Social Science Schools
  • Vocational Schools
  • Art & Design Schools
  • Business Schools
  • IT Schools
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education & Teaching
  • Healthcare
  • Nursing Schools
  • Community Colleges
  • Education partners

STATES

SELECT A STATE:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • D.C.
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Is there something we could do better? Tell us:

CONTACT US
50states.com • Colleges & Universities • Accreditation

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process of validation in which colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning are evaluated. The standards for accreditation are set by a peer review board whose members include faculty from various accredited colleges and universities. The board aids in the evaluation of each potential new school accreditation or the renewals of previously accredited colleges/schools.

In order for potential colleges to proceed with the accreditation process smoothly, they must meet the general standards set by the peer review accreditation boards. Each college is typically assessed using the following criteria:

Overall Mission of the College

Objectives and Goals

Student Requirements for Admissions

Services Available to Students

Quality of Education

Reputation of Faculty

Why is accreditation important?
An important factor in realizing a successful career is choosing a reputable college. Colleges that have been through the accreditation process are more likely to offer degrees that employers and recruiters recognize. Companies want to know that you have a quality education and that you will have something to bring to the table when you join their team. For this purpose, accreditation enables companies to filter those individuals who have obtained a degree from an accredited institution from those who have Financial Aid not. The accreditation process also offers students a better chance of having their credits transfered to other reputable institutions should they decide to obtain a graduate or doctoral level education.

Do all schools need accreditation?
Not all schools need accreditation. Some schools offer specialty training programs in technical and art fields that don’t fall under the traditional process of accreditation. One way to tell if your school is qualified or not is to do the research and be sure that it is recognized in the community as providing the valuable skills necessary to do the job.

Do online learning institutions offer the same accreditation as “brick and mortar” institutions?
All national and regional agencies of accreditation hold online educational institutions and distance learning programs to the same high standards that are held by the traditional “brick and mortar” institutions.

How do I know if my school has accreditation from a reputable agency?
Whether you are interested in being a student of an online university, traditional “brick and mortor” college, or an online training program, it is important to be directed to a credible source to obtain the right degree. Knowledge of the accreditation process will help you avoid “diploma mills” or other institutions that grant degrees without providing students a quality education. To avoid these issues, be sure to conduct your due dilligence and read up on the body responsible for accreditation at your college/school before you sign up. You can also find a wealth of information on accrediting bodies at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website, www.chea.org. CHEA is recognized as an advocate and institutional voice for self regulation of academic quality through accreditation.

In general, universities and colleges are accredited by one of six regional agencies of accreditation. For more information regarding each accreditation body and the regions they govern, click on the links provided below.

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Northwest Commission of Schools and Colleges

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Additional College Resources

  • Career Training
  • Financial Aid
  • Online College

Colleges Resources

  • Great Courses
  • Financial Aid
  • College Accreditation
  • Online College
  • Career Training

Colleges Resources

  • Great Courses
  • Financial Aid
  • College Accreditation
  • Online College
  • Career Training

Colleges Resources

  • Great Courses
  • Financial Aid
  • College Accreditation
  • Online College
  • Career Training
  • Find on Areaconnect Yellow Pages
  • Link to 50states.com
  • Maps
  • Study Tools
  • Quizzes
  • FAQ
  • Sitemap
  • Advertise with Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer