How long does it take to achieve accreditation?
The standard ABHE timeline is eight years (i.e. four years to achieve candidate membership, and four more years to achieve full accreditation). However, most of the benefits come when your school achieves candidate status (i.e. access to Federal Student Financial Aid, increased transferability of credits). A school that is having trouble reaching candidate or accredited status can be granted one extra year at either point. Stronger schools may be able to move faster than eight years for accreditation (especially with help from Agron & Associates).
