Why College Accreditation Matters

College accreditation matters if you want to attend a high-quality educational institution to receive a reputable and respected degree. It ensures that the college or university meets standards of academic excellence.

Accreditation is granted by various accreditation organizations and ensures the quality of the education offered by colleges and universities. Universities that meet specific standards of educational quality become regionally accredited, giving them academic recognition and respect.

What Is Accreditation?

College accreditation is a form of quality assurance for higher education that ensures colleges and universities are meeting education standards. Accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to grant accreditation to colleges that meet quality standards.

Some of the main accrediting bodies include:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• WASC Senior College and University Commission
• New England Commission of Higher Education

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

It is important to check the accreditation status when applying to a college. Attending an accredited institution is crucial for getting the most out of your education. When you attend an accredited school, you can be confident in the quality of the program.

Educational Quality

Accrediting agencies ensure that colleges and universities meet specific standards of academic quality. They evaluate colleges to confirm that students receive a valid and reputable degree that will benefit graduates in their future careers.

Financial Aid

Accreditation is necessary if you plan to use federal financial aid to pay for college. The U.S. Department of Education works with accrediting agencies to disperse funds to educational institutions.

Reputable Degree

A reputable degree is crucial for career and academic advancement. Having one is important for applying for jobs and showing proof of your education. If you receive an unaccredited degree, it may not be respected by employers or accepted by grad schools.

Transfer Credits

If you plan to transfer to another university, whether to complete an unfinished degree or make a career change, it is necessary to have credits from an accredited college. Universities generally only accept transfer credits from valid degree programs that are from accredited institutions.

What Is the Accreditation Process?

When an educational institution decides to undergo the accreditation process, they prepare to display the institution's quality of education and submit a written report for peer review.

The accreditation organization then sends a professional team to visit the institution and ensure that their educational standards of quality are being met. Once the accreditors review the information, a decision is made to grant or deny accreditation.

When a college or university receives an accreditation, they become responsible for maintaining and continuously proving that they meet high-quality education standards.

Types of Accreditation

Different types of accreditation include national, regional, and programmatic. They assess the validity of specific programs and colleges as a whole.

Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation ensures that universities are meeting quality standards. It highlights a university's ability to effectively educate and continuously improve for the benefit of its students. There are two main types of institutional accreditation.

Regional Accreditation

The most important accreditation is regional, and it is given to colleges by one of the several accrediting organizations that are in the United States. It is a widely recognized accreditation and is necessary for receiving financial aid and earning a respected degree.

National Accreditation

National accreditation is given to educational institutions that meet specific standards of quality. This kind of accreditation often goes to trade schools and technical programs that offer career-focused programs.

Programmatic Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation, also called specialized accreditation, is particular to a specific program or department within an institution. This accreditation ensures that industry standards are being met in individual academic programs such as business or nursing.

Colleges with Accredited Degree Programs

Prospective students can find accredited degree programs nationwide that are available both on campus and online.

1. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. They also received programmatic accreditation within many of their programs such as the College of Agriculture, Life, and Environmental Science, the College of Engineering, and the College of Fine Arts. These accreditations highlight the quality of the degree programs.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University, an online and in-person college, is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). They offer degrees in a wide variety of fields, many of which hold programmatic accreditations. For example, their business courses are accredited by the American Council for Business Schools and Programs.

3. Ball State University

Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and aims to continuously improve its programs. Their high-quality bachelor's degree programs engage students with interactive learning and prepare them to excel in their careers.

4. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University provides students with a high-quality education with its many accredited programs. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has accredited LSU since 1913. Many of their graduate degrees, such as those in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Engineering, have specialized accreditations.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. They offer degrees, from associate to doctorate, that are recognized the by U.S. Department of Education for providing a quality education. Liberty University is committed to academic excellence and continually aims to improve.