National accreditation
National accreditation is a form of institutional accreditation in which an accreditation certificate is provided to the technical, religious, and vocational institutes by national accrediting agencies. National and regional accrediting agencies follow different standards. Career training institutes are generally accredited by national accreditation agencies. Institutes that are accredited by national agencies charge less than regionally accredited institutes. Credits earned at nationally accredited institutes cannot be transferred to regionally accredited institutes due to the difference in accreditation standards. You can choose a nationally accredited school according to your set preferences. If you want to get a technical degree at a lower cost, schools with national accreditation are good for you. If you want to transfer your credits to a regionally accredited college, national accredited institutes are not a good option for you. National accreditation agencies are;
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Association for Biblical Higher Education
- National Association of Art and Design
Regional accreditation
Institutes related to liberal arts and research are accredited by regional accrediting agencies. Regional accreditation is considered the most significant. Although regionally accredited institutes cost more than national accredited institutes students get more advantage from their reputation. Schools, colleges, and universities in 6 regions of the country are accredited by 7 regional accrediting agencies. Council of Regional Accrediting Commission represents these seven regional accrediting agencies. These agencies grant accreditation to colleges and universities with two-year and four-year degree programs. They review 3,000 schools to grant accreditation. The Council of Regional Accrediting Commission is responsible for setting accreditation standards.
Programmatic or Specialized Accreditation
The individual accreditation of a degree program, department, or institute within a university or college is called programmatic or specialized accreditation. For example, accreditation of business schools, allied health education programs, educator preparation programs, clinical laboratory sciences, and nursing programs.
Programmatic accreditation is awarded to academic programs that met the set standards of programmatic accrediting agencies. These accrediting agencies review the academic content, qualification of faculty members, and organizational structure of the program. Many professional fields require accredited degrees of students including culinary, athletic training, aviation, audiology, computer science, and nuclear medicine technology.
- Check out the benefits of accredited degrees
Both online and traditional educational institutes are judged according to the same set standards by accrediting agencies. Regionally accredited educational institutes are considered more reliable than nationally accredited institutes. Higher test scores, a good GPA, and a good academic record are needed to get enrolled in regionally accredited institutes. Institutes accredited by national accrediting agencies can be an accessible alternative if you are not a bright student. Make sure to apply for only accredited institutes and degrees. Following are the benefits of accredited programs.
Accreditation makes your degree more reliable for employers and other institutes. Accreditation of degree earns registration with the professional field. The right choice of accredited and professional degree helps you to get more salary bracket. You will become more eligible for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs by enrolled in an accredited university and accredited degree. If you are planning to apply for federal financial aid in the form of grants or loans, make sure to get enrolled in an accredited educational institute. Only accredited colleges or universities are eligible to receive federal financial student aid in the form of grants or loans. You can transfer credit hours from one accredited college to another without compromising the quality of education. Accredited degrees protect the interests of you and your potential employer. Accreditation is beneficial in recruiting professional and outstanding faculty. Accreditation of colleges, universities, or degree programs always increases their credibility. An institute or degree always needs improvement to maintain its accreditation status. Thus, accreditation indirectly helps in the advancement and up-gradation of the degree program. Educational institutes receive more financial aid for students after receiving accreditation from accrediting agencies.