The U.S. system of higher education accreditation is our national measure for postsecondary educational quality. Accreditation is also required for an institution to be eligible to receive federal student loans and other aid. In addition, the accreditation process provides valuable feedback for continuous improvement that enhances an institution’s ability to fulfill its mission. This link among accreditation, quality, and federal financial aid means that nearly all U.S. degree-granting colleges and universities participate in this process and are accredited. Because of the critical roles that accreditation plays, AGB has developed this toolkit to support governing boards’ understanding and productive use of accreditation and the accreditation process.

Members can access the full toolkit:

Section 1. Introduction

Section 2. Understanding Accreditation Standards and Policies

Section 3. The Accreditation Process: Gaining Value at Every Stage

Section 4. Accreditation Challenges

Section 5. Case Studies, Additional Resources