Accreditation

October 2013 by ACTA’s Institute for Effective Governance

Today, virtually all colleges and universities in the United States are accredited (sometimes by more than one accrediting body). Yet there is widespread—and justifiable—concern that college quality has been on a steady decline. And while accreditation may have been well-intended, it is no exaggeration to say that it is now the greatest barrier to innovation in higher education and a major driver of skyrocketing costs—not to mention a threat to the role of the college trustee. This guide provides some fast facts on this system that serves as a gatekeeper for $175 billion in student financial aid, and outlines actions trustees can take to exercise their fiduciary rights in the accreditation process.