REGIONAL ACCREDITATION OF A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

What Is College Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary, independent review of educational programs to determine that the education provided is of uniform and sound quality.  Being awarded accreditation ensures that an institution has been evaluated and that it met set standards of quality determined by the accrediting organization granting the accreditation.  A college or university's accreditation is maintained by continued adherence to the set criteria.

Why is College Accreditation Important?  What Type of Accreditation Should I Look For?
There are several reasons accreditation is important besides insurance of quality and adherence to academic standards.  Accreditation determines a school's eligibility for participation in federal (Title IV) and state financial aid programs.  Proper accreditation is also important for acceptance and transfer of college credit, and is a prerequisite for many graduate programs.

The most recognized and accepted type of accreditation in the United States is regional accreditation.
There are six regional accreditors that cover the whole of the United States.  Each accreditor covers a certain region of states.  Regional accreditors seem to enjoy the strongest credibility.  This is probably because they are big, recognizable, and have been around for such a long time. 

Therefore, there tends to be higher confidence in regional accreditation among other regional accreditors as well as among employers and the government.

1. The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
   Accreditation of colleges in the middle states region (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico).
2. The New England Association of Schools & Colleges.
   Accreditation of colleges in the New England region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont).
3. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
   Accreditation of colleges in the north central region (Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming).
4. The Northwest Association Of Schools And Colleges.
   Accreditation of colleges in the north west region (Alaska, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.)
5. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
   Accreditation of colleges in the southern region (Alabama , Florida , Georgia , Kentucky , Louisiana , Mississippi , North Carolina , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Virginia)
6. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
   Accreditation of colleges in the western region.