An accredited university is a college or institution that has been evaluated and approved by a recognized accrediting agency to ensure it meets established standards of academic quality and institutional integrity. Accreditation protects students by verifying that degrees are credible and eligible for financial aid, licensure, and transfer credit.
Understanding Accreditation: What It Means
To fully answer the question, what is an accredited university, it helps to begin with understanding accreditation itself. Accreditation is a formal quality assurance process used in higher education to evaluate whether a college or university meets established academic and operational standards. It serves as a safeguard for students, employers, and the public.
Here’s how the process works in simple terms:
- A college or university voluntarily applies for accreditation.
- An independent accrediting agency conducts a comprehensive review.
- Evaluation teams assess curriculum, faculty qualifications, student support services, governance, and financial stability.
- The institution must meet defined standards, and continue meeting them through ongoing review cycles.
Importantly, legitimate accrediting agencies are recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations do not accredit schools directly; instead, they review and recognize accrediting bodies to ensure they operate with integrity and rigor.
In short, the college accreditation meaning centers on accountability. It confirms that an institution has been evaluated by an independent authority and found to meet quality benchmarks that protect students and uphold academic standards.
Why Accreditation Matters to Students
Understanding why accreditation matters is essential before choosing a college or degree program. Accreditation affects far more than reputation, it has direct, practical implications for your education and career.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Federal financial aid, including grants and loans through the FAFSA, is typically available only to students attending institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Without recognized accreditation, students may not qualify for federal aid.
Credit Transfer
If you plan to transfer schools or pursue graduate study, attending an accredited university can make the process significantly smoother. Credits earned at accredited institutions are more widely accepted by other colleges.
Degree Recognition
Employers and graduate schools rely on accreditation as a signal of academic credibility. An accredited degree demonstrates that your education met established standards, which can influence hiring decisions and admissions reviews.
Academic Quality
Accreditation requires institutions to maintain qualified faculty, relevant curriculum, and effective student support services. This oversight helps ensure that the education you receive aligns with professional and academic expectations.
When evaluating the value of accredited degrees, consider both immediate benefits, like financial aid access, and long-term advantages, such as transferability and employer recognition. Accreditation is one of the most important factors to verify before enrolling in any college or university.
Regional vs National Accreditation: What’s the Difference?
When researching colleges, you may come across the terms regional vs national accreditation. Understanding the difference can help you make an informed decision about where to enroll.
Both regional and national accrediting agencies can be legitimate, provided they are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The key differences typically relate to institutional focus and credit transfer practices.
Regional Accreditation
Regional accreditation is regarded as the most prestigious form of accreditation. This type of accreditation is focused on typical colleges and universities, including both state-owned and non-profit schools. Reviewed by a regional agency with the approval of the Department of Education, this form of accreditation is the most widely recognized. The six largest regional accrediting agencies include:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- North Central Association (NCA)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
A regionally accredited institution isn’t necessarily non-profit and doesn’t necessarily have higher admission standards, but does tend to be both. But in practice, regionally accredited meaning can depend on the student and their objectives. For example, more than a quarter of students transfer to a new school at some point during their education, and regionally accredited credits will find them accepted by both regionally and nationally accredited schools.
National Accreditation
Nationally accredited schools are primarily vocational schools, career programs, religious institutions, industry-specific certifications, or a similar education niche. For instance, fields that require specific kinds of licensure, like healthcare, often involve national accreditation. Four of the more noteworthy national accrediting bodies include the:
- Council on Occupational Education
- Association for Biblical Higher Education
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
These programs tend to be less expensive, mostly for-profit, and often have comparably lower admission standards. Nationally accredited schools award credits that are recognized at other nationally accredited schools, but not at regionally accredited ones. Some of these accreditations are uniquely attractive to employers, while others are outright mandatory.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Regional Accreditation | National Accreditation | |
|---|---|---|
| Institutions Typically Accredited | Traditional colleges & universities (state-owned or nonprofit) | Career, vocational, technical, or mission-specific schools |
| Credit Transferability | Credits are more widely accepted by other institutions | Credits often accepted only among nationally accredited schools |
| Recognition & Reputation | Generally seen as more prestigious and widely recognized | Often more specialized and vocationally focused |
| Admissions & Structure | Typically more selective with broader academic standards | Often more flexible with less stringent admissions |
The difference between regional and national accreditation can be broken into just a few key elements, but it’s also important not to overlook the similarities. For instance, both regional and national accreditation can ensure students have access to federal student aid programs. And while accreditation can’t guarantee quality, maintaining accreditation does require schools to demonstrate that they continue to meet certain standards, like institutional stability.
Conversely, attending an unaccredited institution can be comparably insecure. It might mean you risk the school closing before your completion date. You may find yourself with a bunch of credits that other schools won’t accept, or a certification that nobody cares about. Outside of those kinds of disaster scenarios, the most important differences come down to transferability of credits, selectivity in the admissions process, and funding.
Institutional vs Programmatic Accreditation
Another important distinction in understanding accreditation is the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation. These two forms of review serve different purposes.
Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation applies to the entire university. It evaluates overall academic standards, governance, financial stability, faculty qualifications, and student support systems. When a university is institutionally accredited, it means the institution as a whole meets recognized quality benchmarks.
Programmatic (Specialized) Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation applies to specific academic programs within a university. This is common in fields that lead to professional licensure or certification.
Examples include:
- Engineering programs accredited by ABET
- Business programs accredited by organizations such as ACBSP
- Nursing programs accredited by CCNE
It’s important to understand that a university can hold institutional accreditation while only certain programs carry specialized accreditation. In licensure-driven fields such as healthcare, engineering, or education, programmatic accreditation may be required to sit for exams or obtain professional credentials.
In short, institutional accreditation confirms the university’s overall quality, while programmatic accreditation validates specific degree programs. Reviewing both can help ensure your chosen program aligns with your academic and career goals.
Who Recognizes Accrediting Agencies?
When exploring Department of Education accreditation or CHEA accreditation, it’s important to understand how recognition works. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) do not accredit colleges or universities directly. Instead, they evaluate and recognize accrediting agencies.
Here’s how the system works:
- Accrediting agencies review colleges and universities.
- The U.S. Department of Education and CHEA review those accrediting agencies.
- If an agency meets federal or academic standards, it is officially recognized.
The U.S. Department of Education focuses primarily on ensuring that accrediting bodies uphold standards tied to federal financial aid eligibility and institutional accountability.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a nonprofit organization, emphasizes academic quality and peer review standards within higher education.
When researching a school, confirming that its accrediting agency is recognized by ED or CHEA is essential. Recognition ensures that the accreditation is legitimate and meets nationally accepted standards.
How to Check If a University Is Accredited
If you’re wondering how to verify college accreditation, the process is straightforward. Taking a few simple steps can help protect your investment in your education.
Step 1: Visit the University’s Website
Most institutions list accreditation information in the website footer or within the “About” section. Look for the accrediting agency’s name.
Step 2: Verify the Accrediting Agency
Confirm that the listed accrediting body is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.
Step 3: Cross-Check Official Databases
Use trusted, public resources to confirm accreditation status:
- U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions
- CHEA Directory of Recognized Institutions and Programs
These databases allow you to search by institution name and verify current accreditation status.
Understanding how to check university accreditation empowers you to make confident, informed decisions. Before enrolling in any program, whether on campus or online, always confirm that both the institution and, if relevant, your specific program meet recognized accreditation standards.
Are Online Universities Accredited?
Yes, online universities can be fully accredited. Accreditation applies to the institution itself, not the format in which courses are delivered. Whether you attend classes on campus or complete your online degree, the standards for review remain the same.
Accredited online universities must meet the same academic, faculty, governance, and student support benchmarks as traditional institutions. The rise of online education has not changed the core principles of online college accreditation; institutions are still evaluated by recognized accrediting agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.
However, it’s important not to assume accreditation. Always verify the institution’s status using official databases and confirm that the accrediting agency is recognized. The flexibility of an online format should enhance access — not compromise academic quality.
Common Myths About Accreditation
There are several misconceptions surrounding accreditation. Understanding the facts can help you make more informed decisions.
Myth 1: All Colleges Are Accredited
False. Some institutions operate without recognized accreditation. Attending a non-accredited school can affect financial aid eligibility, credit transfer, and employer recognition.
Myth 2: National Accreditation Isn’t Legitimate
False. National accreditation can be fully legitimate if the accrediting agency is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA. However, credit transfer policies may differ between regionally and nationally accredited institutions.
Myth 3: Accreditation Lasts Forever
False. Accreditation is not permanent. Institutions must undergo periodic review to maintain their status and demonstrate continued compliance with established standards.
By separating fact from fiction, students can avoid common accreditation myths and confidently evaluate institutions based on recognized standards rather than assumptions.
Making an Informed Decision About Your Education
Choosing a university is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your future. Understanding accreditation ensures that your degree holds value, qualifies for financial aid, and is recognized by employers and graduate schools.
Before enrolling, take the time to verify accreditation status, review program details, and confirm that the institution aligns with your academic and career goals. A reputable, accredited university provides not only instruction, but accountability, transparency, and long-term credibility.
When you understand how accreditation works, you’re better equipped to choose a school that supports both your education and your professional aspirations.
FAQ
An accredited university is an institution that meets established academic and operational standards verified by a recognized accrediting agency.
It determines eligibility for federal financial aid, credit transfer, graduate admissions, and employer recognition.
Regional accreditation is commonly associated with public and nonprofit universities, while national accreditation often applies to vocational or career-focused institutions.
Yes. Accreditation applies to the institution, not the delivery format.
Check the institution’s website and confirm through the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA databases.
National University has been accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) since 1977. To learn more about the regionally accredited National University and the affiliations and memberships that enhance the quality of our on-campus and online degree programs, please visit our accreditation page on our website.
