Regional accrediting bodies conduct comprehensive reviews of institutions of higher education and operate primarily in a specific geographical area. The accreditation granted encompasses the entire institution including reported branch campuses, and all other instructional sites, and distance learning modalities. Regional accrediting bodies typically accredit a wide range of institutions offering associate, baccalaureate, master's and/or doctoral degrees which include many of America's most prestigious institutions.
There are six regional accrediting associations in the United States comprising eight commissions that grant institution-wide accreditation. (For a list of regional accrediting agencies, please see
www.chea.org). While there are some modest differences in accreditation standards across regions, these agencies operate similarly and all are recognized by the United States Department of Education (U.S.D.E.) to conduct accreditation activities. Regional accrediting bodies also serve a “gate keeping” function for access to Title IV funds. The primary service area for the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, plus Latin America.
National accrediting bodies conduct comprehensive reviews of institutions and operate primarily throughout the United States. The accreditation granted encompasses the entire institution. Most of the accredited institutions are private and have missions focused on career or religious education. (For a list of career and faith-based accrediting agencies functioning nationally and recognized by the U.S.D.E., please see
www.chea.org).
Specialized or programmatic accrediting bodies conduct focused reviews of educational programs and operate primarily throughout the United States. Many are recognized by the U.S.D.E. to conduct accreditation activities. (For a list of specialized accrediting agencies, please see
www.chea.org).