Historically, educational accreditation activities in the United States has been overseen by six regional accrediting agencies established in the late 19th and early 20th century to foster articulation between secondary schools and higher education institutions, particularly colleges and universities evaluation of prospective students [REF].
Regional accreditation of higher education applies to the entire institution, specific programs, and distance education within an institution[REF] as do many national accreditors [REF].