Council for Higher Education Accreditation CHEA

Overview

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a non-profit, private association based in Washington, D.C., established in 1996. It serves as a national advocate for academic quality through accreditation, representing approximately 3,000 degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. CHEA recognizes 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations, providing coordination and leadership in the accreditation process to ensure the quality and accountability of higher education institutions and programs.

Historical and Legal Framework

CHEA was formed in 1996 following extensive discussions about the appropriate role for a national organization concerned with the accreditation of higher education institutions. Its creation was a response to the need for a unified voice to advocate for the value and independence of accreditation in the U.S. higher education system. CHEA operates independently of the U.S. Department of Education and is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national advocate for academic quality through accreditation.

Mission, Vision and Objectives; Role in Higher Education

Mission: CHEA's mission is to serve its members, students, and society through advocacy for the value and independence of accreditation, recognition of accrediting organizations, and commitment to quality in higher education.

Vision: CHEA envisions a higher education system where accreditation is recognized as a vital component of academic quality and institutional accountability, ensuring that institutions and programs meet rigorous standards and effectively serve the needs of students and society.

Objectives:

• Advocate for the value and independence of accreditation in higher education.
• Recognize institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations that meet established standards.
• Promote quality assurance and continuous improvement within accredited institutions and programs.
• Provide resources and support to institutions and accrediting organizations to enhance the accreditation process.

Through these objectives, CHEA plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in the United States.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CHEA operates as a non-profit, private association governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee. The Board is composed of representatives from member institutions, including presidents and chancellors, who provide strategic direction and oversight. The Executive Committee, elected by the Board, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of CHEA. The President and CEO, appointed by the Board, leads the organization and implements its policies and programs.

CHEA maintains its independence by operating separately from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental entities. This independence allows CHEA to advocate effectively for the value and autonomy of accreditation in higher education.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

CHEA does not accredit institutions or programs directly. Instead, it recognizes accrediting organizations that meet established standards for quality assurance in higher education. These recognized accrediting organizations are responsible for evaluating and accrediting institutions and programs, ensuring they meet rigorous standards of academic quality and effectiveness.

CHEA's role includes:

• Establishing criteria for the recognition of accrediting organizations.
• Conducting periodic reviews of recognized accrediting organizations to ensure they continue to meet CHEA's standards.
• Providing guidance and support to accrediting organizations to enhance the accreditation process.
• Advocating for the importance of accreditation in maintaining and improving the quality of higher education.

Through these activities, CHEA contributes to the overall quality assurance framework in U.S. higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CHEA is committed to fostering global collaboration in higher education quality assurance. In January 2024, CHEA inaugurated the Recognition of International Accreditation Organizations, marking a new era of global engagement and partnerships in higher education quality assurance. This initiative allows CHEA to recognize accrediting organizations outside the United States that meet its established standards, promoting international standards of academic quality and accountability.

CHEA's international efforts include:

• Recognizing accrediting organizations in other countries that meet CHEA's standards.
• Collaborating with international higher education organizations to promote quality assurance practices.
• Providing resources and support to international accrediting organizations to enhance their effectiveness.

Through these initiatives, CHEA contributes to the global advancement of higher education quality assurance.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CHEA continues to play a significant role in shaping the landscape of higher education accreditation in the United States and internationally. Its recognition of accrediting organizations ensures that institutions and programs meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness, maintaining public trust in higher education credentials.

Looking forward, CHEA aims to:

• Enhance the accreditation process to address emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education.
• Expand its international recognition efforts to promote global standards of academic quality.
• Advocate for policies that support the value and independence of accreditation in higher education.

Through these efforts, CHEA will continue to contribute to the improvement and accountability of higher education institutions and programs.

Summary

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a vital organization in the U.S. higher education landscape, serving as a national advocate for academic quality through accreditation. By recognizing accrediting organizations that meet established standards, CHEA ensures that institutions and programs maintain high levels of academic quality and effectiveness. Its commitment to quality assurance, both domestically and internationally, underscores its pivotal role in enhancing the credibility and accountability of higher education worldwide.

FAQs

• What is CHEA?

  The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a non-profit, private association that serves as a national advocate for academic quality through accreditation, recognizing accrediting organizations that meet established standards.

• When was CHEA established?

  CHEA was established in 1996 to provide a unified voice for accreditation in U.S. higher education.

• Does CHEA accredit institutions or programs?

  No, CHEA does not accredit institutions or programs directly. Instead, it recognizes accrediting organizations that evaluate and accredit institutions and programs.

• How does CHEA contribute to international higher education?

  CHEA fosters global collaboration in higher education quality assurance by recognizing international accrediting organizations that meet its standards and collaborating with international higher education organizations.

• What is CHEA's role in the accreditation process?

  CHEA establishes criteria for the recognition of accrediting organizations, conducts periodic reviews of recognized accrediting organizations, and advocates for the importance of accreditation in maintaining and improving the quality of higher education.

Organization Name

Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Acronym

CHEA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1996

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 510
Washington
20036-1135 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 955 6126

Fax

+1 (202) 955 6129

List of accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA):

REGIONAL ACCREDITING ORGANIZATIONS

1. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
2. Higher Learning Commission
3. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
4. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

NATIONAL FAITH-RELATED ACCREDITING ORGANIZATIONS

1. Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation
2. Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools Accreditation Commission
3. Association of Reformed Theological Seminaries Commission on Accreditation
4. Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools
5. Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools Accreditation Commission

INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITING ORGANIZATIONS

1. Distance Education Accrediting Commission

PROGRAMMATIC ACCREDITING ORGANIZATIONS

1. Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education
2. Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
3. Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
4. Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
5. Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
6. Accreditation Council for Optometric Education
7. Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.
8. Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications
9. American Academy of Forensic Sciences Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
10. American Board of Funeral Service Education Committee on Accreditation
11. American Council for Construction Education
12. American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, Inc. Accrediting Commission
13. American Library Association Committee on Accreditation
14. American Occupational Therapy Association Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
15. American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
16. American Podiatric Medical Association Commission on Podiatric Medical Education
17. American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation
18. American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education
19. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
20. Association for Behavior Analysis International Accreditation Board
21. Association for Education and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired Accreditation Council
22. Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
23. Aviation Accreditation Board International
24. Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
25. Commission on creditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
26. Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
27. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
28. Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
29. Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education
30. Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc.
31. Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
32. Commission on Sport Management Accreditation
33. Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
34. Council for Interior Design Accreditation
35. Council for Standards in Human Service Education
36. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
37. Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology American Speech-Language-Hearing-Association
38. Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
39. Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions
40. Council on Chiropractic Education
41. Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation
42. EdNet Agency for Quality Assurance in Education
43. International Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Education
44. Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
45. Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology
46. Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board American Society of Landscape Architects
47. Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
48. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
49. National Association for the Education of Young Children
50. National Association of School Psychologists
51. Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation
52. Planning Accreditation Board
53. Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Council for Higher Education Accreditation's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Council for Higher Education Accreditation's X page

LinkedIn

Council for Higher Education Accreditation's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Council for Higher Education Accreditation's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other US higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in the United States.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.