In the present education system (both online and offline), accreditation is a prerequisite for the recognition and acceptability of the degree, diploma or certification. The level of autonomy in getting accreditation, that each region or country provides to institutions and universities as accreditation varies across the globe. However, there are international, regional and national accreditation agencies which accredit universities for their authenticity and credibility. The accreditation agencies rate universities and colleges on such criteria as academic quality the quality of their libraries, the publishing records and academic credentials of their faculty. Non-accredited institutions are considered as fake and unreliable.

Institutions can opt for any of the two types of accreditation options available

a. Regional Accreditation
b. International Accreditation

Regional accreditation refers to the process by which one of several accrediting bodies, representing a specific region, accredits colleges, universities, and schools. Each region accredits or encompasses the existing public and nonprofit private educational institutions (both offline and online) in the region it serves, but regional bodies only accredit schools and universities and do not accredit individual programs/certifications of a school or university.

International Accreditation refers to the process by which an accreditation body can accredit universities (both offline and online) irrespective of the region it is located in. International Accreditation has no territorial restrictions; the accreditation is valid across the globe. International Accreditation accredits individual program/certifications as well as schools and universities.

International accreditation provides several advantages to the universities as well as their potential student base. The key advantages are as follows:

Global Jurisdiction
International accreditation provides global jurisdiction to the accredited institutes. The accredited institutes can operate globally, irrespective of their location; whereas, in case of regionally accredited institutes, the jurisdiction is limited to the region where the accreditation is valid.

Global RecognitionThe global acceptability and recognition of internationally accredited degrees broaden the horizons of outreach for applicants broaden and they are eligible for employment anywhere in the world. Regional accreditation restricts the validity of degrees to the regions or country they are operating in, which creates bindings for the applicants to look for employment within those countries or specific regions. In case the applicant has to move to another region or country (which is very common), he/she do/does not require any other certification for the degree to be deemed valid. In short, internationally accredited degrees are more marketable.

Quality
In case of regional accreditation regional standards and best practices are followed to ensure quality and standard whereas if the degree is internationally accredited global best practices apply to determine quality and standard, the latter are more stringent and diverse.

However, both regional and international accreditation creates a gateway for student to participate in federally funded and state sponsored financial aid programs.