National College is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Institutions of higher education seek national accreditation as it gives credibility to a college or university. National accreditation can boost the school's public image and, ultimately, its student-enrollment numbers. Whether a traditional brick-and-mortar institution or an online university, accreditation is important. National accreditation is obtained through private accrediting organizations; and a school must meet the agency's standards during a review process to be accepted.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a review process conducted by a private accrediting agency that evaluates the operation of the institution against the agency's standards. Accrediting agencies look at the institution as a whole to determine if it is run in the best interests of attending and future students. To be granted accreditation means that all aspects of the school have been examined and the administration and quality of education provided have met the accrediting agency's criteria.
Recognition
Though the U.S. Department of Education does not accredit any educational body, the U.S. Secretary of Education is required by law to publish a list of recognized accrediting agencies. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an accrediting agency receives the status of "recognized" if the department finds the agency is a "reliable authority as to the quality of post-secondary education" as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Nationally Accredited vs. Regionally Accredited
National accrediting agencies accredit educational bodies nationwide, whereas regional accrediting agencies accredit institutions within a specified geographic area. They also differ in the types of institutions they accredit; nationally accredited institutions are primarily for-profit educational bodies, and regionally accredited schools are primarily non-profit entities. It is possible for a school to be both nationally and regionally accredited.
Transferability of Credits
Always check on the transferability of credits from a nationally accredited school to a regionally accredited school; and vice verse. Each school has different standards of recognition, which may result in all, some, or none of the credits obtained being transferable.
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