Types of University Accreditation
University accreditation is vital for various reasons, from legitimacy and credibility to formal recognition by peers and better planning. This process is handled by specific regulatory institutions, focusing on multiple aspects before approving the university. Besides its benefits, Grand Canyon University accreditation professionals suggest that you understand the types of university accreditation. Here is a breakdown of the three most common options.
Regional Accreditation
Different states own particular degree programs. These states are considered regions, meaning that regional accreditation focuses on checking the credibility of state-owned academics. You can also rely on this accreditation to confirm whether non-profit colleges or universities within the region meet particular standards. Most experts will associate regional accreditation with a more rigorous quality-checking process. That means you expect high-quality programs in regionally accredited institutions.
In addition, it is considered one of the most prestigious accreditations an institution could get. It shields the university against legitimacy and regulatory issues within the state. Thanks to this, students within this setup will be more competitive in the market and graduate schools. Besides, it allows students to transfer to both nationally and regionally accredited institutions.
National Accreditation
You could also refer to it as federal accreditation. This process is done by the national government, mainly through its accreditation bodies. It compares various institutions with similar degree courses, curricula, or career focus. Notably, nationally accredited institutions are much more affordable, making them an excellent destination for budget-conscious students.
Various national accredited institutions offer more relaxed admission processes. This approach makes them excellent for a wider pool of students. At the same time, these universities are often for-profit, earning revenue through student enrollment, educational products, and merchandise. Students from such facilities can only transfer to other nationally accredited universities.
Specialized Accreditation
This accreditation focuses on particular programs offered in the school instead of the university. For instance, a Grand Canyon University accreditation could concentrate on one engineering degree course. In this case, professionals will focus on whether the institution has the right and sufficient resources to run the program.
Specialized accreditation ensures that students are adequately prepared for the job market. This move gives potential students to pursue particular courses at the university. Notably, the process is significantly rigorous. That is because it will determine how functional you become in the job market in the long run.
Various forms of accreditation suffice. Checking whether your preferred institution is accredited will save you from future disappointments. Always confirm the methods mentioned above.