Recognized Accreditation Organizations

The accrediting activities of institutional and professional associations are periodically evaluated through a formal recognition process by either CHEA, USDE, or both. Specific standards of quality in the accreditation process are insured through this recognition process.

Key to Accrediting Organizations

Regional Institutional Accrediting Organizations

MSA Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education

NWCCU Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

NCA-HLC North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Higher Learning Commission

NCA-CASI North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board ofTrustees

NEASC-CIHE New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., Commission on Institutions of Higher Education

NEASC-CTCI New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., Commission on Technical and Career Institutions

SACS Southern Association of Colleges and School, Commission on Colleges

WASC-ACCJC Westerly Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

WASC-ACSCU Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities

National Private Career Accrediting Organizations

ABHES Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCET Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training

ACCSCT Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology

ACICS Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools

COL Council on Occupational Education

DETC Distance Education and Training Council Accrediting Commission

NACCAS  National Accrediting Commission for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

National Faith-based Accrediting Organizations

ABHE Association for Biblical Higher Education

AARTS Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools

ATS Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools

TRACS Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools


UMass Lowell Continuing Studies and Corporate Education
Academic Accreditation and Professional Memberships