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.

United States Department of Education Recognition

The United States Department of Education (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 USDE 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.

USDE recognizes the scope of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and its geographic area as follows:

Scope of recognition: the accreditation and preaccreditation (“Candidacy status”) of institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education programs, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. Recognition extends to the Executive Committee to act on behalf of the Commission as necessary on cases of initial, reaffirmed, and continued candidacy or initial, reaffirmed, and continued accreditation.

Geographic Area of Accrediting Activities: Throughout the United States.

Updated as of October 21, 2025