Join The Commission
The Commission accredits degree-granting colleges and universities across the United States and internationally. If your institution is considering accreditation, this is where the process begins.
Is The Commission
the Right Fit?
New to Accreditation
Accredited Elsewhere
Other Pathways
The Commission offers other pathways to membership for affiliate institutions, institutions that are part of other member institutions, and more.
How the Process Works
Talk with us
Before anything formal, institutions are encouraged to contact Commission staff to discuss readiness and fit.
Confirm Eligibility
The institution documents that it meets the eligibility requirements.
Apply for Candidacy
The application is reviewed, and a committee visits the institution.
Candidacy
A period of preparation, reporting, and review, during which the institution builds toward full accreditation.
Apply for Initial Accreditation
The institution demonstrates that it meets the standards in full.
Decision
The Board of Trustees acts on the application.
The process is deliberately thorough, and the work of preparing for it is substantial.
What to Expect of the Work
Accreditation is demanding by design. Institutions preparing for review commit significant staff time to documenting their work, gathering evidence, and examining their own practices honestly. Most find the process valuable in strengthening institutional processes and in supporting continuous quality improvement.
There are also costs — application and review fees, the expense of hosting visiting teams, and annual dues once accredited. Current fee schedules are published.
Start the Conversation
The best first step is a conversation. Commission staff will talk with you about where your institution stands, whether accreditation is a realistic next step, and what preparation would involve — before any application is filed.
CONTACT US ABOUT ACCREDITATION
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we apply if we are outside the United States?
Yes. The Commission accredits degree-granting institutions internationally and we currently have members in Mexico, Costa Rica, and the United Arab Emirates. Please contact staff so that we can walk you through the procedure for international submissions.
We are accredited by another accreditor. Can we switch?
How long does it take?
From first contact to initial accreditation, the typical timeline is 3-4 years for established institutions. Institutions in good standing with another recognized accreditor are often able to complete the process in half that time.
Do you accredit individual programs?
No. The Commission accredits institutions. Program-level accreditation is handled by programmatic accreditors in the relevant field.
What does it cost?
The application fee is $6900, with a reduced rate of $4900 for institutions from new geographic jurisdictions.
Check with our staff to see which fee applies.