Overview

The United States of America (USA or U.S.A.), often known as the United States (US or U.S.) or America, is a country mainly located in North America, between Canada and Mexico. It is composed of 326 Indian reservations, 50 states, and Washington, D.C. as the federal capital. With a population above 334 million, the nation has the largest marine exclusive economic zone, the third largest land area, and the third-highest population in the entire world.

The United States, one of the most developed nations, has had the largest nominal GDP in the world since 1890 and, as of 2023, will make up nearly 25% of the world economy (or 15% based on PPP). In terms of economic competitiveness, productivity, innovation, human rights, and higher education, the USA is among the best in the world.

The United States contains a wide range of climate types due to its vast size and geographic diversity. Humid continental climates in the north and humid subtropical weather in the south are found east of the 100th meridian. The Great Plains in the west are semi-arid. The American West is home to many mountainous regions with an alpine climate. The Southwest has an arid climate, coastal California has a Mediterranean climate, while coastal Oregon, Washington, and southern Alaska have an oceanic climate. Alaska is mostly polar or subarctic. Tropical regions include Hawaii, Florida’s southernmost point, and its possessions in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Education Qualification Framework

Higher education in the United States has gained international recognition. Many rating groups name the top universities in the world, with 19 of the top 25 being located in the US. State university systems dominate American higher education, while 20% of all students are enrolled in the nations numerous private universities and colleges. Students get a substantial amount of federal financial aid in the form of loans and grants.
Regarding public spending on higher education, the United States spends more overall—both in public and private sectors—per student than the OECD average.

Accreditation Authorities in USA:-

• In the United States, higher education accreditation is a peer review process that ensures the validity of degrees and credits granted by universities. Institutions that are members of accreditation commissions oversee it.
• The United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a non-governmental organization, both recognize credible accrediting bodies for higher education institutions and offer guidelines, resources, and relevant data regarding these accreditors. It was first implemented in the late 19th century by cooperating educational institutions, on a regional basis.
• Professional schools have their own accreditation bodies; these are frequently graduate schools.