What is an Accredited College and Why Does it Matter?

The accreditation of an institution can play a role in which school you choose and can provide valuable information about a school’s programs or certifications. As a prospective student, understanding accreditation is useful and important. In this article, we’ll uncover the meaning and significance of accreditation, explore different types of accreditation, and discuss the differences between regional and national accreditation. Keep reading to learn more!

What is an Accredited College?

An accredited college is an institution that has undergone a rigorous evaluation process to ensure it meets standards of quality and excellence. For most schools, it means that the college provides an education or program that is recognized in the academic and professional world. Because it can be a factor in your educational journey and future career, it’s important to understand the differences between accredited and non-accredited colleges.

Accredited College Meaning & Significance

Accreditation is a formal, peer-reviewed process, meaning it takes place by experts in the academic field who are independent of the school or university. Because accreditation can follow rigorous guidelines about quality and standards, it serves as a seal of approval from bodies recognized by the Department of Education. You’ll want to have a good understanding of what type of accreditation is relevant to your field of study or career plans so that you can be confident that your education is meeting the established standards. You’ll also want to know who the accrediting bodies are, which helps further vet or verify its legitimacy. Understanding this information is important because it can affect your eligibility for federal student aid and your ability to transfer credits if you ever opt to change schools.

Types of Accreditation for Colleges and Universities

There are several types of accreditation, each one serving a specific purpose in education. Two primary categories of accreditation are regional and national accreditation. When evaluating the quality and recognition of an educational institution, understanding these distinctions is crucial.

Regional vs. National Accreditation

Regional Accreditation

Regional accreditation is considered the gold standard in higher education. It is granted by regional accrediting agencies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Accrediting Commission for Schools, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC), and others. Regional accreditation ensures that colleges in a specific geographic region maintain high academic standards. Credits earned at regionally accredited colleges are widely accepted by other accredited institutions and are often a requirement for certain professions, licenses, and certifications.

National Accreditation

National accreditation, on the other hand, is typically granted to institutions with a specific educational focus. Examples include the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) and programmatic accrediting bodies. While national accreditation is valuable for some institutions, it may not carry the same level of recognition and acceptance as regional accreditation. It is essential to consider the specific field or career path when deciding between nationally and regionally accredited colleges.

The Role of Accrediting Bodies

Accrediting bodies are responsible for evaluating and accrediting institutions. These organizations consist of experts in various fields who assess colleges and universities based on established criteria. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a central organization in the United States responsible for recognizing accrediting bodies and ensuring they uphold quality standards. 

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The U.S. Department of Education also maintains a comprehensive database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs. It provides transparency and allows students to verify the accreditation status of their prospective institutions, helping them make informed decisions about their educational choices.

Accreditation Status and Federal Student Aid

One significant benefit of attending an accredited college is the eligibility for federal student aid. The U.S. Department of Education requires students to attend accredited institutions to qualify for federal financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study opportunities. Your school's accreditation status is a vital factor in determining your access to these financial resources. Of course, if you’re seeking financial assistance directly from your school or another institution, there may be different conditions. It is important to consider, though, if you’re looking to submit a FAFSA application. You’ll also want to double-check that the schools you’re applying for will accept federal financial aid, as each institution has different requirements and policies. Just because a school is accredited, it’s not an automatic guarantee that you’ll be eligible for or able to receive and apply various types of financial aid.

Transferring Credits from Accredited Colleges

Another advantage of attending an accredited college is the ease of transferring credits, though again, every school has different requirements. Credits earned at an accredited institution are more likely to be recognized by other accredited colleges and universities. If you decide to transfer to a different school or pursue further education, the accreditation of your previous institution greatly influences the transferability of your credits. This isn’t to say that it will be impossible from a school that is not accredited, but it may be significantly more challenging, and you may have to make up some courses if they are not accepted. Before making any decisions to transfer schools, you should always check with the institution’s policy and what course credit they are willing and unwilling to accept, as accreditation is not a surefire guarantee.

Conclusion

Accreditation is a fundamental aspect of higher education that profoundly impacts your educational journey and future opportunities. Understanding the meaning and significance of accredited colleges, the different types of accreditation, and the role of accrediting bodies is essential for making informed decisions about your education. Choosing between regional and national accreditation, as well as considering the accreditation status for federal student aid and credit transfer, is pivotal. With this knowledge, you can navigate the college search process a bit better and make choices that align with your academic and career aspirations.