The Higher Learning Commission writes:

In Minnesota, schools and colleges voluntarily seek accreditation from nongovermental bodies. There are two types of education accreditation: institutional and specialized. 

Institutional accreditation is provided by regional and national associations of schools and colleges. There are six regional associations, each named after the region in which it operates (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, Western). The regional associations are independent of one another, but they cooperate extensively and acknowledge one another's accreditation. An institutional accrediting agency evaluates an entire educational organization in terms of its mission and and the agency's standards or criteria. Besides assessing formal educational activities, it evaluates such things as governance and administration, financial stability, admissions and student services, institutional resources, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and relationships with internal and external constitutencies.

A specialized accrediting body evaluates particular units, schools, or programs within an organization. Specialized accreditation, also called program accreditation, is often associated with national professional associations, such as those for engineering, medicine, and law, or with specific disciplines, such as business, teacher education, psychology or social work. Read more.

This section offers information and examples about how your institution can use eFolio Minnesota for (e)accreditation support purposes. Select tabs on your left to view Program/Discipline and AQIP institutions. For further information:

Higher Learning Commission/AQIP  This link will take you directly to the AQIP Web site.
Higher Learning Commission Home Page  This link will take you directly to The Higher Learning Commission Web site.
Higher Learning Commission Institutional Accreditation: An Overview  This .pdf contains helpful background information about The North Central Association and The Higher Learning Commission. It also offers information about institutional accreditation and the process in general. Includes FAQs and a summary description of PEAQ and AQIP processes.