Accreditation In The United States

Accreditation in the United States can be confusing as there are many kinds of accreditation and many different accreditation agencies. It is often difficult for potential students to know if the accreditation that is quotes in a university's brochure is legitimate or worthwhile. My advice is to keep it simple. Consider only institutions that are accredited by one of the following six regional accreditation bodies:

• Middle States Associated of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
• Northwest Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges - Senior (WASC -Sr.)

Distance learning programs may also be accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), but bear in mind that a DETC accreditation in itself is not enough to guarantee the legitimacy and quality of an institution. To have full accreditation, a university in the United States must be accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies listed above.

Regional accreditation is essential; do not let a university salesperson or brochure tell you otherwise. And do not fall for claims by an organization that its accreditation is 'just as good as regional accreditation. " Sometimes, a less reputable operation that does not have full accreditation from a regional body will create its own accreditation body which just happens to recognize that particular university. Stay far away from these scams.

Remember too that in the United States, words such as authorized, recognized, approved, empowered, licensed, registered, chartered, accreditation pending, and pursuing accreditation are not the same as legitimate accreditation. Don't be fooled.