Frequently Asked Questions

Click on any FAQ in the list below to find its corresponding answer. Special Note: If you are a member of the news media and want more information about Middle States or a specific institution, click here. For a comprehensive list of definitions of terms commonly used in higher education and accreditation, click here.

Accreditation Defined

• What is accreditation?
• Are distance education programs and courses accredited?
• Ask Before You Decide: Accreditation Matters, a helpful booklet that tells students, prospective students, and the general public how accreditation can help with decisions about going to a vocational school, college, or graduate or professional school.
• Degree and Accreditation Mills- this short video from the Council on Higher Education Accreditation describes the deceptive practices of degree and accreditation mills.
• Diploma Mills and Accreditation- This U.S. Department of Education web resource addresses diploma mills, fake accrediting agencies, college credit for life experience, scholarship scams, and foreign credential evaluation.

The Commission's Structure and Process

• About the Middle States Association & the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Who carries out the Commission's work?
• How do I become an evaluator?
• Does Middle States meet international criteria as a quality assurance organization?

Accreditation Eligibility & Standards

• What standards must an institution meet to be accredited?
• Does the Commission consider student learning at an institution?

Accreditation Review and Decisions

• How often is a college or university evaluated?
• How does the Commission determine if an institution meets accreditation standards?
• What are the "self-study" & "peer review" processes?
• What is a "substantive change"?
• Do institutions ever lose accreditation?
• What accreditation records should an institution retain in its archives?

The Commission and Public Information

• Does the Commission rank colleges?
• Can the Commission recommend a college or university?
• What kinds of information does the Commission provide about institutions?
• Does the Commission handle complaints or other grievances against institutions?
• How are complaints against the Commission handled?

Colleges and Their Students

• How can a prospective student evaluate and compare colleges and universities?
• What should students know about expectations for learning at the institution?
• Will a college accept credits transferred from another college?
• What happens to student records when a college closes?

Directions to the Commission's Offices

The Commission's mailing/shipping address is as follows:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680.