The Accreditation Process

Many factors influence and reflect the quality of postsecondary education. ACCSC assesses the effectiveness of an institution’s educational programs by evaluating the infrastructure that supports the delivery of programs as well as educational outcomes, including student achievement. Outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of educational programs including favorable completion and job placement rates, state licensing examinations and success with employer and student satisfaction. Each of these factors is evaluated within the context of an institution’s stated mission.

Through an introspective self-evaluation, an institution compares its programs to established standards and identifies areas of comparable strength and needed improvement. These areas include the institution’s faculty, admissions practices, facilities and equipment, learning resource system, financial and administrative capability, and student services including advising and job placement. The results of the self-evaluation are verified on-site by a team of evaluators and, subsequently, by the Commission. An institution must demonstrate that it has met all accrediting standards before accreditation may be conferred.

Click here to learn more about the accreditation process via our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Click here to view a diagram outlining ACCSC’s accreditation process.

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