About Accreditation
Types of Accreditation
Accreditation is a system of peer-reviewed certification of quality in postsecondary education. In many countries accreditation is a state-controlled system and process. In the United States, it is a voluntary process, whereby institutions voluntarily submit to examination and periodic review by consultant-evaluators.
There are three types of accreditation:
- Regional Accreditation
Accreditation by one of the six “regional” accrediting bodies is considered the “gold standard.” For our area, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is the federally approved accrediting body. GBSC holds candidate status with HLC.
- National Accreditation
Institutions that tend to have a focused mission are often accredited by agencies that have special vocational and technical expertise relative to that focus. For example, the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) is the major, U.S. Department of Education-approved national accrediting agency for Bible colleges. ABHE operates nationally. GBSC is fully accredited by ABHE.
- Specialized Accreditation
Some agencies are approved to accredit specialized programs and some stand-alone institutions. An example is the “specialized” or “programmatic” accrediting associations, which evaluate programs or schools of law, medicine, or engineering, among others. GBSC does not currently participate in specialized accreditation.
Goals of Accreditation
Although it is “voluntary,” there are good reasons for an institution to submit itself to the rigor of both self-evaluation and peer review. Some of the major purposes of accreditation are:
- Assuring Quality - Accreditation is the primary means by which colleges, universities and programs assure academic quality to students and the public.
- Access to Federal Funds - Accreditation of institutions and programs is required in order for students to gain access to federal funds such as student grants and loans and other federal support.
- Easing Transfer - Accreditation of institutions and programs is important to students for smooth transfer of courses and programs among colleges and universities.
- Engendering Private Sector Confidence - Accredited status of an institution or program is important to employers when evaluating credentials of job applicants and providing financial support to current employees seeking additional education. It is also taken into account by corporations, foundations and individuals making private donations to higher education.
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