Effective July 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education passed regulation declaring that “regional” accrediting agencies could expand their scope by accrediting institutions outside of their traditional region.
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) has adopted a formal process to consider applications for accreditation from institutions currently accredited by another federally recognized institutional accreditation agency. To transition to NECHE accreditation, the institution must provide evidence that: 1) it is in good standing with its current accreditation agency, 2) it is financially stable; and 3) it meets NECHE’s Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation. The process ensures that institutions will be able to engage in an ongoing relationship with the Commission focused on public accountability and institutional improvement.