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. ACICS is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) to accredit programs up through the Master's degree level.

U.S. Department of Education Scope of Recognition

ACICS is recognized by the Secretary as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit. 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.

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Scope of Accreditation

ACICS is recognized by CHEA to accredit private postsecondary institutions offering certificates or diplomas, and postsecondary institutions offering associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in programs designed to educate students for professional, technical or occupational careers including those that offer those programs via distance education or internationally.

Neither the US Department of Education nor the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize doctoral programs approved by ACICS. These advanced graduate programs are beyond the scope of recognition issued by both organizations. 

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 practice.

Value  
ACICS is committed to the importance of a quality educational experience for all students.

Strategic Plan
The Council launched a Strategic Plan in 2014 to renew the ACICS commitment to educational excellence. A summary is provided 

 

	ACICS Historical Timeline (PDF) Review a quick guide to the major milestones in ACICS and accreditation history.
	About ACICS Evaluators (PDF) Peer Evaluators play a critical role in the ACICS accreditation process. To learn how, read our Evaluator Quick Guide or visit www.acics.org/evaluators for details.
	Detailed ACICS History Review ACICS’s 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.”