Regional accreditation is the educational accreditation of schools, colleges, and universities in the United States by one of seven regional accrediting agencies. To learn more about UoPeople’s accreditation, click here. As required by law, UoPeople submits annual reports which include information about our educational programs, program costs, post-graduation job placement rates, and more. In the case of any sort of change, we will be sure to notify our students far in advance. These schools are often less expensive and easier to get into than colleges and universities that are regionally accredited. In general, the more accreditation, licenses, and approvals a college or university has—both for the overall academic institution and its specific programs—the better the quality of its education. Students typically prefer to attend regionally accredited colleges and universities for two main reasons: To achieve regional accreditation, a college or university is evaluated by one of six organizations—each endorsed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and responsible for a separate region of the country. Regional accreditation is state-owned and highly prestigious, focusing on the degree programs in either public state universities or private colleges and universities. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is a regional accrediting body for the western region of the United States. University of the People has been nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) since 2014. Sometimes students and parents feel confused, not only about what accreditation really means, but also about what the difference is between regional and national … "My degree has already helped me in getting a great job at IBM. Instead, there are three: institutional, regional and national. Regional accreditation is granted by six different agencies who oversee institutions within a particular region of the US. College Accreditation – Regional vs National Accreditation. Each of the regional accrediting agencies evaluates the applicant school to ensure that it meets standards created to ensure quality. Quick Links. The answer depends on what you, as a current or prospective student—value. If you want to pursue a career that requires an academic degree, then you may want to attend a regionally accredited school. When it comes to choosing a college, you've got a lot to consider. The DEAC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Nurses Nursing. That’s why researching a school’s accreditation before enrolling is essential. Accreditation is a process under which an independent body evaluates a college or university to determine whether it meets academic and ethical standards. ", "In the age of information technology and innovation, University of the People is showing us the way". Accreditation is a process that ensures colleges and universities meet standards related to everything from an educational institution's mission, strategic plan, academic program, faculty, buildings, technological resources finances and more. schools. ", — Yann Chemali (@Yannothan) February 27, 2015. ", "UoPeople opened an opportunity for me that didn’t otherwise exist. According to the United States Department of Education, 85 percent of all colleges and universities in the U.S. have achieved regional accreditation. National accreditation is notbetter than regional accreditation. Additionally, most non-profit institutions are regionally accredited while most for-profit colleges and universities are nationally accredited. Not all accrediting agencies are considered equally reliable. But that doesn't mean they are necessarily of lesser quality. National accreditation is granted by agencies that accredit schools nationwide. Our students have requested that we apply for regional accreditation and, as a result, University of the People has applied for Eligibility from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Accreditation validates the high ethical and academic standards of our institution. Because of the specialized nature of the degree earned and the curriculum at these institutions, it is hard to compare with traditional degree programs. WSCUC has reviewed the application and determined that the institution is eligible to proceed with an Application for Accreditation. There are three types of accrediting bodies: regional, national, and programmatic. Do Employers Care About GPA? Although institutions marked with a national stamp may have rigorous degrees and certificates, and more relaxed admission standards, their credits don’t transfer to a school with regional accreditation and tuition may be higher since their stability depends on keeping shareholders happy. New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Many colleges that cater to non-traditional students seek national accreditation. The two types of institutional accrediting bodies are Regional and National. To sum it up, accreditation is a verification process, done by third parties, through which higher education institutions can show that they are providing quality education. Both types of accreditors are eligible for recognition by the U.S. Department of Education. What is the difference between national and regional accreditation? UoPeople is registered with and permitted to operate as an online university in all US states. National accreditation is most often sought by colleges and educational programs that have academic programs focused on specific careers, vocations, and trades. Unlike regional accreditation, national accreditation isn’t based on a school’s location but the type of school. • Regional accreditation of a university is based upon location while national accreditation is not region specific, and there is nothing to suggest that national universities are any better or more important than regional universities. Here is a look at regional accreditation and national accreditation as well as what each means to you and your educational career. Sometimes we are programmed to think that something with “national” in the title is automatically bigger and/or better, but in this instance, this isn’t true. Maryville University is regionally accredited by the HLC. One college is both nationally and regionally accredited while the other is only regionally accredited. Why is Accreditation important? Second, students who attend regionally accredited institutions are typically eligible for all corporate and government financial aid programs. The university complies with the requirements of each state and reports to each state annually as required by law. We exist to allow any qualified applicant to pursue his or her degree. On the other hand, if you are more interested in a vocational or technical program, a nationally accredited institution may be the better fit. That's pretty straight forward and easy to understand. While there is a clear difference between regional and national accreditation, it does not necessarily mean that one is better than the other. It is meant to assure the public that an institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness. Elearners. Generally speaking, regional accreditation is held in higher regard than national accreditation, though the United States federal government does recognize accrediting agencies of both kinds. National accreditation is granted by agencies that accredit schools nationwide. Regional and national accredited colleges both have their pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider all options before making an informed choice. There are the professional credentials of the professors. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Three agencies are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation that award schools national accreditation. Part of the reason you should look for regionally accredited schools instead of nationally accredited schools is because of the standards a college must meet to achieve ac… One of University of the People’s ambitions is to be known as one of the best online universities in the world — and because we are well known for standing strong by the saying “for the people, by the people,” we also try to accommodate the wishes of our students as much as possible. Regional vs. National Accreditation. Regional and national accreditation both refer to a status given to an entire institution. In addition, it is important to look at whether a university has achieved state licensure, which means that the university meets both the high standards endorsed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the states from which many of its students matriculate. Each organization focuses on a specific region in the United States, hence the name regional accreditation. Let’s put aside regional versus national for just a second and look at what accreditation is in general. National accreditation agencies are more focused on providing accreditation for a variety of degrees and certifications. LOCAL — Find Your Station — Fire Safety — Medical Emergencies — Evacuation Info — Disaster Readiness — Volunteer — Smoking Violation — Fire Stat LA — Los Angeles Community Resource Guide for Immigrant Angelenos. Bray, K. (2013). Some schools just do not fit into the molds created by the regional accreditation associations. When looking into what college or university you want to attend, one of the biggest influencers of your decision should be whether or not the institution in question is accredited. It is important to note that national accreditation is widely regarded as a less rigorous standard than regional accreditation. Since many of our students requested UoPeople to also apply for regional accreditation, we decided this was the right move for us. EducationDynamics maintains business relationships with the schools it features. We’re happy to help you determine which college, university, or academic accreditation is right for you. ", "By studying at UoPeople, I have more control over my schedule. Your Questions Answered. This peer-review process is the primary means of assuring educational quality in the United States. UoPeople is always in full compliance with the BPPE and reports to the DEAC and BPPE on a regular basis to ensure our academic and ethical integrity. College Accreditation - Regional vs National Accreditation: A Guide. There are two types of accreditation—regional and national—and both are designed to let students and prospective students know that they are attending a reputable college or university. Regional Accreditation is state-owned and highly prestigious whereas National Accreditation is career-oriented, vocational, and profit-seeking in nature It is both a process and a status to ensure that higher education institutions and programs meet a set of standards developed by the accrediting councils. According to WASC’s formal message, the process of getting their accreditation can take up to 5 years until we receive a response. That’s why acquiring accreditation by prestigious accrediting agencies, recognized by the US education ministry, is one of our top priorities. Through the accreditation process, WSCUC helps institutions in developing and maintaining effective educational programs. Regional accreditation is more widely respected by the academic elite, employers, and the various magazines and websites that rank organizations in the education industry. The US Department of Education recently decided that starting July 1, 2020, colleges and universities will no longer be distinguished by regional and national accreditation because all accrediting agencies are held to the same standards. Posted Mar 1, 2013. newnurse012. A regional accreditation is not the same as a national accreditation for an important reason: the difference is that credits earned at a regionally accredited institution are more widely accepted. Students ADN/BSN. It might sound like national accreditation would be more prestigious, but actually, the opposite is true. Regional vs. National Accreditation. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). As a university “for the people by the people”, we care about our community of students and listen to their requests. There is no single accredited type of educational facility. One of the reasons more colleges and universities seek regional accreditation is that it is widely considered to be the gold standard of college accreditation. And there are all of the intangibles, which play important roles in determining what type of overall educational experience you'll enjoy. DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The main difference between regional and national accreditation is that regionally accredited institutions are more commonly accepted and easily transferable than nationally accredited programs. National accreditation can be a misleading term. Regional vs. national accreditation Credits from regionally-accredited institutions are more widely accepted and more easily transferable than nationally-accredited programs. It’s important to remember that here at University of the People, we are committed to our mission to break the barriers that stop students from pursuing a higher education. Most have heard of regional accreditation, the most commonly recognized term. American Sentinel University has a very appealing online program which awards an experienced nurse 30 credits for a nursing license and another 30 credits for >2 years of experience. Whether regional accreditation continues or regionals become national, the decision to consider and accept transfer credits is up to individual institutions, independent of the accreditor. The standards for national accreditation are less rigorous than regional accreditation, and national accreditation is considerably less useful when transferring schools. It is a preliminary finding that the institution is potentially accreditable and can proceed within five years of its Eligibility determination to be reviewed for Candidacy or Initial Accreditation status with the Commission. First, they prefer regional accreditation because the schools' credits are more portable; they are more widely accepted by other schools when students wish to transfer or to continue their education at another educational institution. University of the People has applied for Eligibility from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Our modest assessment fees and one-time enrollment fee, however, will not change. Many students find the term "accreditation" confusing. Here is a comprehensive look into institutional accreditation and UoPeople’s ambition to further strengthen our high-quality academics. University of the People is also approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). This means that, despite the possibility of getting additional accreditation by WASC, we will always remain a tuition-free university. There are many more similarities than differences between national and regional accreditors; this has become increasingly true over time. Finally, we’ve likely not heard the last word on this subject from Department of Education or, perhaps, Congress. For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya. In 2014, University of the People received national accreditation by the DEAC. Howell, T. Why You Should Care About Accreditation. The BPPE establishes and enforces standards for California institutions and protects consumers. As the Education Revolution, University of the People offers affordable, tuition-free, online, degree-granting educational programs to any qualified student worldwide. Public and private four-year institutions are accredited by seven regional bodies, each of which maintains standards for a specific geographical area. Programmatic or specialized accreditation is a status given to a specific program, department or school within a larger educational body. The answer depends on your educational goals. Regional Vs National Accreditation. And then there is the one thing that takes all of these issues—and more—into consideration and gives you an idea about a school's overall quality. Plain and simple, regional accreditation is not the same as national accreditation. Students should refer to the WASC website to learn more about the implications if and when UoPeople is to be accredited. This information is publicly available so that applicants are able to make an informed decision when choosing to attend UoPeople. To learn more about UoPeople’s accreditation click here. Regional accreditation is older than national accreditation and, with a few exceptions, more rigorous than national accreditation. It is important that an accrediting body be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. In fact, many schools that seek and achieve national accreditation offer exceptional graduation rates, lower tuition, and opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through courses designed to provide practical coursework that mimics what students will find in the real world. The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. A determination of Eligibility is not a formal status with the WASC Senior College and University Commission, nor does it ensure eventual accreditation. What is National Accreditation? College Accreditation - Regional vs National Accreditation . "ECPI University is the best decision anyone can ever make. Regional accreditation is the more common of the two types of accreditation for colleges and universities. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) oversees private, post-secondary institutions operating in California, including University of the People. Regional accreditation is granted to each institution by one of six organizations that focus mainly on academia and research-related areas of study. Posted May 2, 2017. shanaynay0 (New) I have submitted my application to two different colleges, both of which are technical colleges. Regional accreditation is granted by six different agencies who oversee institutions within a particular region of the US. … There's tuition, transfer-ability of credits and availability of courses. Standards for Accreditation. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency. Copyright © 2021East Coast Polytechnic Institute™All Rights Reserved, Cyber and Information Security Technology, Systems Engineering Master's - Mechatronics, Electronic Systems Engineering Technology, 2.5 Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Operations, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management, Management Master's - Homeland Security Management, Management Master's - Human Resources Management, Management Master's - Organizational Leadership, rank organizations in the education industry, contact the admissions professionals at ECPI University, What Our Students Say About the Faculty at ECPI University. But that doesn't mean they are necessarily of lesser quality. We exist to open the gates to higher education no matter where you’re from, what’s your background, or what you own. Earning credits in college is like getting points in a game. REGIONAL VS.NATIONAL ACCREDITATION REGIONAL NATIONAL -Evaluated by a regional agency -There are six bodies, each covering a different region, that can award regional accreditation -Not based on geography -Evaluates specific types of schools -Compares against similarly designed schools EXAMPLE New England Association of Schools … Accreditation is a voluntary process by which colleges demonstrate to each other, and sometimes to employers and licensing agencies, that their credits and degrees meet minimum standards. In many instances, and especially where your concern is transfer-ability and financial assistance, you may be better off going to a college or university that has achieved regional accreditation. There's academic rigor. Accreditation ensures that the degree programs offered by an institution will be recognized by both employers as well as other colleges and universities. regional vs national accreditation. 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