About Us

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a global institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Secretary of Education since 1952. As an accreditor and member of the regulatory triad, MSCHE assures students and the public of the educational quality for its over 500 institutions of higher education. The Commission’s accreditation process ensures institutional accountability, self-appraisal, improvement, and innovation through peer review and the rigorous application of standards within the context of institutional mission.

Visit 1919-2019: The 100-Year History of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

United States Department of Education Recognition  

MSCHE is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidacy status) activities for institutions of higher education, including distance education and correspondence education programs offered at those institutions, throughout the United States. USDE recognizes accrediting agencies deemed authorities on the quality of higher education. Under the Higher Education Act’s (HEA’s) federal student aid programs, accrediting agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education must meet the Department’s regulatory criteria. MSCHE is a Title IV gatekeeper and is a link to federal programs, and institutions access Title IV through MSCHE accreditation.

Visit the United States Department of Education website for more information

Read the 2023 Decision Letter from USDE

Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidacy status”) of institutions of higher education including distance and correspondence education programs offered at those institutions. 

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States. 

Strategic Priorities 

MSCHE is committed to self-assessment and evaluation and has developed strategic priorities to support and guide the mission, vision, and values of the Commission. Strategic priorities are developed in collaboration with Commissioners and are evaluated and revised periodically. Learn more about MSCHE Strategic Priorities 2020-2025 

Mission, Vision, and Values 

The MSCHE Mission, Vision, and Values statements define our work and what is important to the Commission while also reflecting the forward-thinking nature of our service as an accreditor in a rapidly changing and complex environment. 

Mission 

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) promotes educational excellence through innovation across diverse institutions. 

Vision 

To be a prominent voice and champion in higher education to leverage accreditation for our member institutions and students. 

Values 

Protecting the Future – We ensure that member institutions meet rigorous and comprehensive standards to protect educational quality. 

Guiding for Good – We fuel discovery and progress for our community and society as an independent voice in higher education. 

Setting the Standard – We promote quality through honest reflection, institutional growth, and meaningful change. 

These values guide our external and internal relationships where integrity, respect, and self-improvement promote personal and collective growth, creativity, collaboration, accountability, and fair and equitable treatment. 

Partnerships and Collaborations 

The Commission is proud to partner with other associations within the higher education community around shared interests. 

American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) 

American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) 

American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)  

American Council on Education (ACE)   

Assessment Network of New York (ANNY) 

Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) 

Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) 

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) 

Association of International Education Administrators (NAFSA) 

Association of Public and Land-Grant Institutions (APLU) 

Association for Institutional Research (AIR) 

Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE)  

College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals (CUPRAP) 

Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC) 

EDUCAUSE 

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 

Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)  

Jobs for the Future (JFF) 

National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) 

National Association of Independent College and Universities (NAICU) 

National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE) 

National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) 

National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) 

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) 

National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) 

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) 

State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) 

Transform Mid-Atlantic

University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) 

WCET-WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies 

Corporate Sponsors

Symbiosis Educational Consultants – Platinum Sponsor

Become a Corporate Sponsor

Updated as of January 5, 2024