Understanding the College Accreditation Process

16 January 2026

Introduction

Ever wondered why some colleges are considered better than others? Or why employers prefer candidates from certain institutions? The answer often lies in college accreditation. But what does that even mean, and why should you care?

If you’re hunting for the right college, accreditation is a big deal—it affects everything from the quality of education to financial aid eligibility and even job prospects. In this guide, we’ll break down the accreditation process, why it matters, and how you can spot a legitimate, accredited college.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and let’s dive in!

What Is College Accreditation?

Accreditation is basically a stamp of approval that ensures a college or university meets specific academic and institutional standards. It’s a way to verify that schools provide high-quality education and aren’t just diploma mills handing out worthless degrees.

Think of it like a restaurant inspection—just as a restaurant must meet health and safety standards, colleges must meet certain academic and administrative criteria to be recognized as a legitimate institution.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

You might be wondering: “Does accreditation really matter?” Absolutely! Here’s why:

1. Quality Education

Accredited schools follow rigorous academic standards, ensuring students get a meaningful education. If a college isn’t accredited, you have no guarantee that its programs meet industry standards.

2. Financial Aid Eligibility

Want federal student aid? You must attend an accredited institution. The U.S. Department of Education only grants financial aid—like Pell Grants, loans, and scholarships—to students enrolled in accredited schools.

3. Employability & Career Prospects

Many employers prefer (or outright require) degrees from accredited schools. If your diploma comes from an unaccredited college, there’s a good chance it won’t hold much weight when job hunting.

4. Credit Transfers

Planning to switch schools or pursue a higher degree later? Credits earned from an accredited institution are far more likely to be accepted by other colleges. Unaccredited schools? Not so much.

How Does the Accreditation Process Work?

The accreditation process isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s an ongoing evaluation that happens at regular intervals. It typically involves several steps:

1. Self-Assessment & Application

Colleges start by evaluating themselves to ensure they meet accreditation standards. They then submit an application to an accrediting agency.

2. Peer Review & Site Visit

A team of experts and educators visit the institution to assess its curriculum, faculty, student support services, facilities, and financial stability.

3. Evaluation & Decision

The accrediting agency reviews the findings and decides whether the institution meets the necessary standards. If approved, the college receives accreditation.

4. Continued Monitoring & Renewal

Accreditation isn’t forever. Schools must undergo periodic re-evaluation (usually every 5–10 years) to ensure they continue meeting standards.

Types of Accreditation

Not all accreditation is created equal. In fact, there are several types, each serving different purposes.

1. Regional Accreditation (The Gold Standard)

This is the most prestigious type of accreditation and is granted by one of six regional accrediting bodies in the U.S. It’s widely recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

Example Agencies:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

2. National Accreditation

While still legitimate, national accreditation is typically given to vocational, technical, and religious schools. However, nationally accredited schools often struggle with credit transfers to regionally accredited institutions.

Example Agencies:
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

3. Programmatic Accreditation

Some academic programs require additional accreditation to ensure they meet industry-specific standards. This is crucial for fields like medicine, engineering, and law.

Example Agencies:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Spotting Fake or Bogus Accreditations

Unfortunately, not all accreditation is legitimate. Some schools claim to be accredited but receive their so-called "approval" from unrecognized agencies.

Red Flags of Fake Accreditation

- No recognition from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Super-fast degree programs (e.g., “Earn your master’s in 3 months!”).
- Suspiciously low tuition fees that seem too good to be true.
- Lack of faculty credentials or verified course descriptions.

Before enrolling, always cross-check the school’s accreditation status on the DOE and CHEA websites.

What Happens If a College Loses Accreditation?

Imagine investing years into your college education, only to find out later that your school lost accreditation. Scary, right? Unfortunately, this does happen.

Consequences of Losing Accreditation:

1. Loss of financial aid eligibility – Students can no longer receive federal aid.
2. Difficulty transferring credits – Other schools may refuse to accept credits from a non-accredited institution.
3. Reduced job prospects – Employers may devalue degrees from a college that lost its accreditation.

Why Do Schools Lose Accreditation?

- Poor academic programs and low graduation rates
- Poor financial management, leading to instability
- Failure to meet accreditation renewal requirements

How to Check a College’s Accreditation Status

Before committing to any school, do some homework. Here are the best ways to verify accreditation:

- Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (ope.ed.gov/dapip)
- Check the CHEA website (www.chea.org)
- Ask the school directly—but always verify their claims
- Look for the accrediting body’s name and confirm its legitimacy

Final Thoughts

Choosing a college is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and accreditation should be at the top of your checklist. It’s what separates reputable institutions from diploma mills, ensuring your future degree has real value.

So, before saying “yes” to any school, take a few minutes to verify its credentials. A little research now can save you from major regrets later!