The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is pleased to announce the Recognition of its second cohort of fourteen high-quality, providers of non-credit programming. At its September 2026 meeting, the Commission recognized the following organizations: Babson College; Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology; Bentley University; Bunker Hill Community College; Community College of Rhode Island; CEA CAPA Education Abroad; Holyoke Community College; Northeastern University; Roxbury Community College; Southern Connecticut State University; Unity Environmental University; University of New England; University of New Hampshire; University of Rhode Island.
Each of these organizations completed a rigorous evaluation and review process which included writing an evidence-based report using each of the markers of quality in the NECHE Recognition Quality Assurance Framework. Two peer evaluators were sent to each organization to conduct a site visit and write an evaluation report. A Non-Credit Recognition Committee composed of Commissioners and external representatives with non-credit expertise then reviewed each organization and made recommendations to the Commission, which acted to recognize each organization at its September Commission meeting.
Recognition is open to all providers of non-credit programming, including NECHE member institutions, institutions accredited by another agenda, and third-party providers. The Commission is currently accepting applications for its 2027 cohorts. NECHE is also accepting applications for peer evaluators for the recognition process.
NECHE is also pleased to announce its new pilot partnership with the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). ACCJC member institutions participating in the project will have the opportunity to seek recognition of their non-credit educational units from both ACCJC and NECHE. This work affirms both agencies commitment to ensuring that accreditation continues to evolve alongside the institutions and students we serve.
To learn more about NECHE’s Non-Credit Recognition Process, please visit our website or contact Laura Gambino, Vice President (lgambino@neche.org).
