They are not equivalent to regional accreditation. The six regional associations are:

* New England Association of Schools and Colleges – NEA

* Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – SACS

* Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools – MSA or “Middle States”

* North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – NCA or “North Central”

* Western Association of Schools and Colleges – WASC

* Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges – NASC or “Northwest”

These are the only regional accreditors and any school not accredited by one of these is not regionally accredited.

Regional accreditation is essential if maximum transferability and post graduation utility are desired.

Specialized accreditation is required in some fields – preferably in addition to, not instead of, regional accreditation.

1. Regionally accredited – the highest and most useful.

2. Nationally accredited – real, but not as recognized or useful. Yes it is less than regional accreditation, which isn’t intuitive.

3. Unaccredited

Be sure to check here before you enroll: http://www.chea.org/search/

EDIT: The accreditor you mention is national in the list above

It is legitimate. (http://www.tracs.org/)

You will be able to go on to a graduate program with a degree from this institution.

Here is another link with a searchable database. TRACS is listed as one of the Institutional Accrediting Agencies:

http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.asp