Are there different types of accrediting organizations?

Yes, there are three: • Regional accrediting organizations operate in six different regions of the country and review entire institutions, 98 percent or more of which are both degree-granting and nonprofit. Regional organizations may also accredit non-degree, for-profit institutions, but this is a rare occurrence.

• National accrediting organizations operate throughout the country and review entire institutions. Of the nationally accredited institutions, 34.8 percent are degree-granting and 65.1 percent are non degree- granting. 20.4 percent are nonprofit and 79.5 percent are for profit. Many are single purpose institutions focused on a specific mission such as education in information technology or business. Some are faith based.

• Specialized accrediting organizations also operate throughout the country and review programs and some single-purpose institutions. There are more than 17,600 of these accredited programs and single purpose operations.