North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) was one of six regional accrediting organizations in the United States. It evaluated and accredited schools and colleges in the central U.S. to ensure they met certain educational standards. Accreditation by the NCA indicated that an institution provided quality education and was committed to improvement. In 2014, the NCA became part of the larger organization called AdvancED, which continues to accredit educational institutions globally. This process helps schools and colleges maintain a level of quality that benefits students and the community.