What Regional Accreditation Means

Regional Accreditation ensures that NCU is institutionally sound and that its academic programs and processes meet the high standards of quality and rigor expected of a first-rate university.

As a rule, regional accreditation is more highly regarded than accreditation by "national" accrediting bodies. An exception to this is program-specific accreditation by organizations such as the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) that are widely respected within their field.

Are Northcentral University Courses and Degrees Recognized by Other Schools and Agencies?

In general, yes.
Most colleges, universities, and agencies recognize courses and degrees from institutions accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. However, Northcentral University, though accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, cannot guarantee that all schools and agencies will accept NCU's courses and degrees.

Students should be skeptical of any institution that makes unqualified assertions that its credits will transfer to all other institutions, or that it is accredited by some organization that is not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Transferability of credits and degrees is a matter determined by the institution receiving the credits and depends on several factors. Among them are: the institution at which credits or degrees were earned; how well the credits offered for transfer mesh with the curriculum offered by the institution to which the Learner wishes to transfer; and how well the Learner did in the courses.

Accreditation cannot by itself guarantee transfer of credits; however, many institutions consider the accredited status of the institution where the credit or degree was earned as one factor in the transfer decision. Anyone planning to transfer credits should, at the earliest opportunity, consult the receiving institution about the transfer—before taking the courses for transfer, if possible.

Similarly, most professional organizations, societies, states and licensing jurisdictions have specific requirements for licensure, membership or certification. If licensing or credentialing is a major objective, Learners are advised to first check the standards of their particular states, school districts, professional associations and agencies for specific license requirements.

Who should be contacted for more information?

For more information about Northcentral University's accreditation status, please contact Admissions by telephone at (888) 327-2877 or by email at information@ncu.edu. We are proud of our accomplishments and believe that NCU is one of the outstanding distance learning higher education institutions in America.

What can The Higher Learning Commission tell us?

The staff at the Higher Learning Commission will tell you that Northcentral University is affiliated and that our accreditation is reaffirmed.

More information about accreditation is available through their web site at www.higherlearningcommission.org.