Could Someone Explain College Accreditation?

As I'm researching colleges, I keep coming across the term accreditation. Why is college accreditation important and how can I verify if a college is properly accredited?

Accreditation in the context of colleges and universities is essentially a stamp of approval from an accrediting body, indicating that the institution under consideration meets certain quality standards for its programs of study and services.

Why it’s important:

1. Quality education: Accreditation ensures the school and its programs maintain a certain level of quality. This is critical for you as a student because it assures you that you're receiving an education that meets the standards and requirements set by the higher education community.

2. Financial aid: Only students who attend an accredited institution of higher education are eligible for federal financial aid.

3. Transfer of credits: It’s easier to transfer credits from one accredited institution to another. If you plan on transferring schools or going to graduate school, accreditation status is highly advisable.

4. Job prospects: Employers often verify whether an applicant's degree is from an accredited institution.

As for verifying a college's accreditation, you can typically find this information on the college's official website, often under an "Accreditation" or "About Us" heading. But for a comprehensive, more reliable source, you can use the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. It's the most trustworthy source as it lists all the colleges and universities that are accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Remember, both regional and national accreditations are valid but regional is more commonly recognized and widely accepted. Hence, regional accreditation can often carry more prestige. The names to look out for regional accreditation include Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Commission of Higher Education, and others.