When researching online higher education programs, it is important to look at agency accreditations. These accreditations allow you to understand whether the school you are looking into meets the high-quality standards future employers are looking for. 

Accreditations are absolutely essential. They are considered valuable to employers and competing schools alike. Below, we highlight more information about the different regional accreditation agencies that are available so you know what to look for when applying to an online higher education program.

The 7 Regional Accreditation Agencies

There are currently seven Regional Accreditation Agencies recognized by CHEA across the country. Each of these agencies accredits schools in a specific geographical area. Therefore, online higher education institutions may only hold one Regional Accreditation from one of the following agencies:

1. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
2. Higher Learning Commission
3. Middle States Commission on Higher Education
4. New England Commission on Higher Education
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
6. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
7. WASC Senior College and University Commission

These regional agencies provide higher educational institutions with accreditations that certify that their programs meet the high expectations and standards that CHEA requires.

Gaining Regional Recognition From CHEA

In 2021, CHEA updated its recognition criteria when determining whether to acknowledge an agency. The agency in question must follow its strict rules to provide enough information to prove high-quality standards and values in regard to ethics, procedures, and equity when accrediting educational institutions. The following are factors CHEA uses when determining recognition of Regional Accrediting Agencies:

• Provides evidence of inclusion, equity, and diversity
• Values ethics and integrity
• Encourages high-quality academics
• Enforces standards of academic quality
• Determines academic quality
• Supports the mission and purpose of provided programs

If an agency meets the above criteria, CHEA will further research the agency with a broad scope. When looking at the scope of an agency, CHEA will look for:

• Types of programs and institutions the agency will accredit
• Degree levels in which the agency will be responsible for measuring the standards of
• The geographical location in which the agency will provide accreditation

Once CHEA finds that an applicant has met all of their standards and complies with their scope requirements, they will be awarded the status of an accrediting agency. This status is regularly reviewed and can be removed for failure to comply.

Importance of Regional Accreditation Agencies

Higher educational institutions strive to fulfill the requirements to achieve a regional accreditation. This is because it makes their educational facility competitive and provides students with greater opportunities. Without proper regional accreditation, students of a higher education institution will not be able to apply for Federal Financial Aid, nor will they be able to transfer their higher education credits to another educational facility in the future.

Look For Regional Accreditations

It is important to research online higher education facilities that provide the degree you are seeking with the proper accreditation. Many online higher educational facilities are held to the same standards and are provided to students through accredited educational institutions. This means your higher education online degree will be worth more in value in the long run