K12 Academics Resource Library

Higher-Ed Institutional Accreditation

The bodies that accredit whole colleges and universities, and how U.S. Department of Education and CHEA recognition works.

10accreditors & topics

The old regional-versus-national split ended in 2024. What matters now is whether an accreditor is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, CHEA, or both.

Institutional accreditors

10

The former regionals, national/career and faith-related bodies.

HLCHigher Learning Commission (19 central states)MSCHEMiddle States Commission on Higher EducationNECHENew England Commission of Higher EducationSACSCOCSouthern Association, Commission on CollegesNWCCUNorthwest CommissionWSCUCWASC Senior College & University CommissionACCJCCommunity & junior colleges (CA, HI, Pacific)National & CareerDEAC, ACCSC, ACCET, ABHES, COE, NACCASFaith-RelatedATS, ABHE, TRACS, AARTS & moreUSDE vs CHEA RecognitionHow the two recognition systems differ
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