The regional and national accrediting agencies meet the same US DOE standards, are all recognized by the US DOE, and are eligible for federal student aid because of this recognition.
Regional and national accrediting agencies differ primarily in the approach they take in complying with US DOE standards, and both approaches are acceptable. Generally, the approach of the regionals is less prescriptive, or more subjective, while the approach of the nationals is more prescriptive, or less subjective. The regionals have based their accreditation model on the traditional responsibilities of teaching, research and service in higher education. The nationals continue a tradition of career focus in their educational model, focusing on measurable outcomes such as degree completion and job placement.
If you attend a nationally accredited institution, it is possible to transfer and get your credits accepted by a regionally accredited school. However, decisions about transfer of credit are made at the local level by the receiving colleges and universities. Each institution has its own policies governing the acceptance of credit from other institutions. Students seeking to transfer credits earned to another institution should contact the other institution to which they seek admission to inquire as to that institution’s policies on credit transfer.