MSCHE Withdraws Accreditation from Keystone College

On November 21, 2024, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) took action to withdraw accreditation from Keystone College. Accreditation will cease December 31, 2024.

The Commission explained the rationale in the adverse action, which appears in the Notification of Adverse Action letter at the Commission’s Institution Directory where the public can also find the institution’s Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS). The Commission found the institution failed to provide evidence that demonstrates compliance with Commission standards for accreditation (Standard II, Ethics and Integrity; Standard VI, Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement; and Standard VII, Governance, Leadership, and Administration), policies and procedures, and applicable federal regulatory requirements. The Commission found the institution failed to demonstrate the capacity to make required improvements and sustain itself in the short or long term, in accordance with the Commission’s Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures.

An adverse action is subject to appeal in accordance with the Commission’s Appeals from Adverse Actions Procedures. If the institution appeals the Commission’s decision, it will remain accredited pending the appeal; however, the institution must meet a number of conditions. Those conditions are detailed in the Notification of Adverse Action letter. If the Commission determines that the institution has violated any of the conditions, the institution forfeits its appellate rights, and the Commission will revise the effective date that accreditation will cease, as necessary.

The Commission approved the teach-out plan of Keystone College and is requiring the implementation of the teach-out plan with an updated plan based on the adverse action to withdraw accreditation, due to the Commission by December 6, 2024. In accordance with Commission policy and federal regulations, the teach-out plan must provide for the equitable treatment of students to complete their education. The Commission will release details of the teach-out plan and teach-out agreements in the days ahead, including a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page specific for Keystone College.

For more information and further details regarding the adverse action, visit Keystone College’s Statement of Accreditation Status (SAS).

Policies and Procedures

Appeals from Adverse Actions Procedures

Teach-Out Policy, Procedures, and Request Forms

Accreditation Actions Policy and Procedures

Accreditation Review Cycle and Monitoring Policy and Procedures

Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation

Communication in the Accreditation Process Policy and Procedures

Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures