Accreditation is a process through which a university maintains and improves its standards and practices. Accrediting organizations develop a criteria or standards by which a university can be measured. It is the responsibility of accrediting organizations to ensure quality, accountability, and improvement in universities that are accredited by them.

Recognition of accrediting organizations by HEAC affirms that standards and processes of accrediting organizations are consistent with quality, improvement, and accountability.

Accreditation serves the following purposes:

Assuring Quality. Accreditation is the primary means by which colleges, universities and programs assure academic quality to students and the public.

Access to Federal Funds. Accreditation of institutions and programs is required in order for students to gain access to federal funds such as student grants, loans and other federal support.

Easing Transfer. Accreditation of institutions and programs is important to students for smooth transfer of courses and programs among colleges and universities.

Engendering Employer Confidence. Accredited status of an institution or program is important to
employers when evaluating credentials of job applicants and providing financial support to current
employees seeking additional education.



Accreditation is important to various constituent groups because it represents a commitment to quality education.

Business and industry leaders are interested in quality universities and consider accreditation status an important factor when relocating.

Superintendents realize dollar savings through the peer review process where educators from throughout the state volunteer their services as members of review teams to assess standards and university improvement.

Citizens are assured of accountability and of value for their tax dollars because their universities meet established standards and undergo regular re-evaluation by teams of professionals whose focus is on university improvement.



Accreditation is a continuing process that does not stop with the single act of becoming accredited. The process guarantees that universities continue to seek improvement.