ACICS will determine average retention and placement rates annually for institutions based on information collected in the Annual Institutional Reports and will provide these data to all accredited institutions. An institution with retention or placement rates that are not in keeping with the expectations of ACICS may require a consultation between ACICS and the institution, the submission of a corrective action plan, undergo an on-site evaluation, or be issued a show-cause directive, a deferral or denial action related to the institution’s application for a new or initial grant of accreditation, or directed another appropriate action.

Each institution shall publish annual placement and retention goals. In formulating these goals, each institution shall take into account the retention and placement rates from the previous three Annual Institutional Reports and the specific activities that will be undertaken to meet those goals. The activities must demonstrate the institution’s ability to maintain or improve retention and placement outcomes each year.

The Council’s retention and placement standards are 60% and 65% respectively.  An institution with retention and/or placement rates not in keeping with Council standards may be subject to reporting.  Institutions that fall below the Council’s standards may submit a narrative explanation detailing any mitigating circumstances that contributed to the institution’s retention and/or placement rates.  All materials must be submitted and postmarked by September 15 each year.