The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE, formerly NEASC). The university’s next comprehensive evaluation will take place November 5-8, 2023.  At that time, a team of external reviewers will visit UML and meet with faculty, staff, and students from across campus to discuss our self-study report. 

UMass Lowell invites the public's comments as our comprehensive accreditation evaluation approaches:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit November 5-8, 2023, by a team representing the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, NEASC). 

The New England Commission of Higher Education is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and accredits over 200 institutions in the six-state New England region and across the United States, as well as American-style institutions overseas. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole.  

UMass Lowell and its predecessor institutions have been accredited by the Commission since 1975 and was last reviewed in 2013. Its accreditation by the Commission encompasses the entire institution. 

For the past year and a half, UMass Lowell has been engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation. An evaluation team will visit the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. The team will recommend to the Commission a continuing status for the institution. Following a review process, the Commission itself will take the final action. 

The public is invited to submit comments regarding the institution to: 

Public Comment on the University of Massachusetts Lowell
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210
Wakefield, MA 01880

E-mail: info@neche.org

Public Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution. The Commission cannot settle disputes between individuals and institutions, whether those involve faculty, students, administrators, or members of other groups. Comments will not be treated as confidential and must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. 

Public Comments must be received by November 8, 2023. The Commission cannot guarantee that comments received after that date will be considered.

Recent institutional accreditation reporting:

For a list of individual college and program accreditations, visit the Online Academic Catalog. 
Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the Office of the Provost.

Individuals may also contact NECHE:
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210
Wakefield, MA 01880

E-mail: info@neche.org
Phone: 781-425-7785