There are many things to consider when choosing a college or university. Many times, a student focuses on who may accept them into a program. Yet, it’s wise to think about various facets of the education process to determine what differences exist in one program to the next. Accreditation is a sometimes confusing topic, but it may play a role in the decision you make about where to go to school.
There’s much you may wish to know about regionally accredited online universities.
What Is Accreditation for Colleges?
The term accreditation is sometimes used to describe schools. Accreditation is a method of confirming that a university or a college offers a high level of education to those students who enroll there. Schools take part in this system as a way to reassure students that they may have the ability to earn a beneficial education. Many online colleges and universities work to earn accreditation.
What Does Regionally Accredited Mean?
Regional and national accreditation are different in several ways but have the same goal of ensuring students of the quality of education at the school. A regional accreditation includes both non-profit and state-owned schools. The schools are reviewed by regional agencies that have the approval of the U.S. Department of Education.
What are some of the regional accreditation agencies in the U.S.?
There are numerous accreditation agencies. The six largest regional accrediting agencies include:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- North Central Association (NCA)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Is a Regionally Accredited Institution Better Than Others?
It’s not appropriate to say that a school that has a regional accreditation is any better than those that do not. These schools may or may not have higher admission standards. They may or may not be a non-profit school. Rather, schools determine if they want to be accredited by these organizations and, if so, pursue it. Not doing so doesn’t mean the school offers an inferior degree program or education, though.
How Do You Choose a University or College?
One of the things you may wish to consider when comparing options in colleges and universities is accreditation. This is one out of many factors to think about with others, possibly including location, cost, curriculum, professors, and alumni.
The following are 7 things to think about when comparing schools to determine what they may offer to you. If you made a list of the regionally accredited schools you are considering, here’s how to further compare them.
#1: Where is the accreditation from?
Take the time to research which organization accredited the school. You may then be able to dive in a bit deeper to find out what factors play a role in that organization’s accreditation process. It may shed some light on what the school went through to reach this point.
#2: What are your long-term goals, and do they align with the school’s offerings?
Consider what you would like to learn and the type of curriculum taught at the college or university. Does it prepare you for the field? If you wish to pursue a specific career path, be sure the program you choose offers the depth of information to prepare you for it.
#3: What type of courses are available?
When choosing regionally accredited online programs, consider what specific courses the program offers. Look for courses that interest you, but also those that may be a bit more innovative or further-reaching than others. The benefit here is often having access to a depth of education that you need in your field.
#4: Do courses meet licensing requirements?
Depending on what type of career path you plan to pursue, determine if your state has a licensing requirement for that path. If so, make sure the school, degree program, and courses included align with the state’s or other certification body’s requirements. You want to be sure you are taking courses that help you prepare for the field.
#5: Do you plan to attend grad school?
If your goals are to pursue a graduate degree program, be sure the bachelor’s degree program you select offers the necessary courses to help you prepare for this higher level of education. You may want to be sure the program, for example, meets the qualifications for admission into a grad program at another university, for example. Not all courses transfer or include all of what is necessary to enter into a grad program. Other stipulations and requirements may be necessary for grad school admission over and above this.
#6: Is an online program comparable to an in-person program at the university?
Next, take a closer look at what the program has to offer in terms of in-person and online education. Are there courses available in real-time? Do you have access to the same research studies and resources as those who attend in person? Online colleges may offer a variety of tools to help you remain engaged. If so, find out what they are.
#7: Does the program fit your lifestyle?
Also important is to gain insight into the demands of the program. Many regionally accredited online schools place a significant demand on your time, including when and where you meet and what type of internships may be available. Be sure you know what to expect.
There is a lot of info to think about when comparing schools. Unigo college reviews may offer some additional viewpoints to help you make a decision.