Q: How does an institution become accredited by NEASC? How long will it take?
An institution must first be licensed to operate in one of the six New England states and demonstrate that it meets the Commission’s Requirements of Affiliation. (Overseas institutions follow a slightly different procedure, explained here.) The Commission determines whether or not an institution may apply for candidacy only after comprehensive review and on-site evaluation. The process begins with an in-person interview with Commission staff at the NEASC offices. The length of time to candidacy depends on a number of factors, including how long the institution has been in operation and the results of its on-site evaluations. Once candidacy is achieved, an institution must progress to accreditation within five years. More information about candidacy may be found here.
