The US Department of Education recognizes 6 distinct educational regions, each of which is overseen by a different accrediting body. The Northwest Region comprises the seven states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, and the quality of private colleges and universities in this region is monitored through accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Heading northwest? Check out the private colleges and universities in the Northwest Region of the US today!