* Regional Accreditation: Regional accrediting agencies are geographically limited, covering specific regions of the United States. They are generally considered the more prestigious and widely accepted type of accreditation. Degrees from regionally accredited institutions are typically accepted for transfer to other colleges and universities, graduate school admission, professional licensing, and federal financial aid programs. They are also often viewed more favorably by employers. Examples include the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
* National Accreditation: National accrediting agencies accredit institutions across the entire country. While they provide assurance of quality, they are generally not as highly regarded as regional accreditors. Degrees from nationally accredited institutions *might* be accepted for transfer, graduate school, or professional licensing, but it's not guaranteed, and acceptance is often on a case-by-case basis. Employers might also be less familiar with national accreditation, and it may be less likely to be accepted for federal financial aid. National accreditation is often found in specific career-focused programs (like certain vocational schools).
In short:
| Feature | Regional Accreditation | National Accreditation |
|-----------------|------------------------|------------------------|
| Geographic Scope | Regional | National |
| Prestige | Higher | Lower |
| Acceptance | Widely accepted | Acceptance varies |
| Transferability | Generally accepted | Often on a case-by-case basis |
| Federal Aid | Typically accepted | May or may not be accepted |
| Employer Recognition | Generally recognized | Recognition varies |
If you are considering a college or university, always verify its accreditation status and the type of accreditation it holds. Choosing a regionally accredited institution generally offers greater assurance of quality and broader acceptance of your degree. If you're considering a nationally accredited program, thoroughly research whether your specific program's accreditation will meet your future goals (graduate school, professional licensing, employment).