What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a non-governmental peer-review process that evaluates the educational standards of an institution or program. In the United States, accreditation is synonymous with assuring educational quality. When an institution earns accreditation, it means they have undergone a comprehensive self-study and peer examination that shows the institution meets standards of accreditation.
Why is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation confirms that the quality of an institution or program has been reviewed. It is important to verify that the institution you choose will provide you the education program and preparation for the area of study you have chosen. Accreditation provides that assurance.
How Do I Know if a College is Accredited?
A college will usually list their accreditations on their website. You can also contact the college directly to learn more about their accreditation. Accreditation status can also be verified through the CHEA website or through the US Dept. of Education, Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
If a College is State-Approved, Does that Mean it’s Accredited?
No. State approval means that a college has met certain minimum requirements formulated by the State for all degree-granting institutions operating in that State. Accreditation goes beyond this to ensure that a college has achieved a level of quality accepted by other colleges of the same category.
What is NECHE Accreditation?
Woodmont College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
The New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is a voluntary, non-governmental membership association that serves as an institutional accreditor and promotes educational excellence and quality assurance to its member institutions. Members are degree granting post-secondary educational institutions offering higher education and are located inside or outside the United States, including, but not limited to, the States of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. NECHE currently accredits over 200 institutions across the globe. The Commission is composed of faculty, administrators, and trustees from affiliated institutions as well as a number of public members, all of whom serve on a voluntary basis, and is served by an experienced staff led by Dr. Lawrence Schall.
As the authority and guardian of standards of excellence in higher education, NECHE embraces the roles of mentor and connector as it guides institutions through the rigors of the accreditation process. The Commission and its staff pride themselves on being supportive of and accessible to the institutions they serve. NECHE is respectful and responsive, committed to institutional success and improvement, and committed to balancing its responsibility to members institutions and members of the public, including prospective and current students.
NECHE traces its roots to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), founded in 1885, the nation’s oldest regional accrediting association. In 2018, the New England Commission of Higher Education became a separate and independent entity.
Does NECHE Accreditation = Quality Education?
The New England Commission of Higher Education is evaluated regularly by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This evaluation results in the Commission being “recognized” by the Department of Education and by CHEA.
Who is Eligible to Apply for NECHE Accreditation?
The Commission determines whether or not an institution may apply for candidacy only after comprehensive review and on-site evaluation. The process begins with an in-person interview with Commission staff at the NECHE office. The length of time to candidacy depends on a number of factors, including how long the institution has been in operation and the results of its on-site evaluations. Once candidacy is achieved, an institution must progress to accreditation within five years. More information about candidacy may be found here.
How Does NECHE Evaluate Institutions?
See NECHE Standards for Accreditation here.
Who is NECHE Accredited?
NECHE currently accredits over 200 institutions across the globe.
Is a NECHE Accredited Degree Recognized Internationally?
A NECHE degree is a regionally accredited American degree which is generally recognized around the world. American higher education is respected as the gold standard of higher education and therefore many international companies will recognize NECHE accredited degrees. However, it is still recommended that a student check the status of a prospective degree in their own country before enrolling.
Can a NECHE Accredited Institution Participate in Financial Aid Programs?
NECHE accredited institutions are eligible to apply for participation in the following financial aid programs:
- Federal Title IV student loans and grants
- The Montgomery G.I. Bill
- The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
- Military Tuition Assistance Programs for Spouses (Career Advancement Accounts) and Active Duty Army Vocational courses (AVOTEC)
Will Credits Earned from a NECHE-accredited Institution be Accepted by all Colleges?
This is determined by the policy of the college or university. It is recommended that you check with the receiving institution. Regional accreditation is widely considered as the highest standard of accreditation in the United States:
1. – All Ivy League schools hold regional accreditation
2. – Degrees from regionally accredited institutions are more commonly recognized by employers and other academic institutions
3. Regional accreditation denotes higher academic standards, which is advantageous for students pursuing higher education. Academic credits earned from regionally accredited universities are more likely to be accepted, making it easier for students to transfer credits between institutions.