Founded in 1912, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) is one of the most respected and longest established national accreditor of academic institutions in the United States. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The scope of ACICS recognition by the Secretary of Education is defined as accreditation of private postsecondary institutions offering certificates or diplomas, and postsecondary institutions offering associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees in programs designed to educate students for professional, technical, or occupational careers, including those that offer those programs via distance education.

ACICS currently accredits more than 900 institutions throughout the United States and more than a dozen foreign countries enrolling over 800,000 students. ACICS is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia with offices maintained in the District of Columbia.

ACICS Mission Statement

The mission of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is to advance
educational excellence at independent, nonpublic career schools, colleges, and organizations
in the United States and abroad. This is achieved through a deliberate and thorough accreditation
process of quality assurance and enhancement as well as ethical business and educational practices.

	Facts of Accreditation  Learn more about different types of accreditation (regional, national or by program).
	History of Accreditation  Check out the major milestones in accreditation history.
	About ACICS Quick Guide  Get information about the top programs ACICS accredits, as well as our recognition by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
	Detailed ACICS History  Review ACICS’ history since our founding in 1912. Our mission is the same now as it was then, “to establish and advance the quality of education and the standards of excellence at private career schools and colleges.”