FAQ Group: Main FAQ

We welcome questions and comments about CPHE via contact@cphe.org.

The CPHE Board of Directors adopted these accreditation standards on October 1, 2025. These standards form an initial framework for CPHE to review applications from institutions and will be supplemented by evidentiary guidance. The standards are subject to review and revision as described in applicable U.S. Department of Education regulations.

CPHE expects to work with an initial cohort of roughly eight colleges and universities during the Fall of 2025, with a second cohort of colleges and universities submitting applications in 2026. CPHE will submit an application for recognition to the U.S. Department of Education once it meets the regulatory requirements to do so, likely during…

The state university systems partnering to create CPHE will contribute start-up costs, but CPHE will transition to a member-supported funding model similar to that of current accrediting agencies. Participating universities will pay annual fees to support CPHE. The goal for CPHE is to be substantially more affordable than current accrediting agencies. By focusing exclusively on…

Until CPHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, institutions are likely to maintain membership with an existing, recognized accreditor while also seeking membership with CPHE. That approach ensures seamless access to federal financial aid for students. Recognizing the need for a transition period, CPHE’s business plan does not call for institutions to pay…

CPHE is an independent accreditor, governed by the same processes and regulations as existing accreditation agencies. At its inception, the CPHE Board of Directors includes six members: one Director representing each of the six founding university systems. These six Directors are currently recruiting public Directors who are not affiliated with CPHE systems or institutions. In…

Revisions made in 2020 to U.S. Department of Education regulations allow colleges and universities to select an institutional accreditor. Previously, most colleges and universities were assigned to an accreditor based on geography. The intent of those regulatory changes is to offer choices to institutions and encourage innovation in the accreditation sector. An April 23, 2025…

Six public university systems partnered to found CPHE: the State University System of Florida, the University System of Georgia, the University of North Carolina System, the University of South Carolina System, the Texas A&M University System, and the University of Tennessee System. Membership in CPHE is open to public colleges and universities in the United…

CPHE is intended to offer a compelling new option for public colleges and universities, capitalizing on recent changes to U.S. Department of Education regulations that encourage innovation in the accreditation sector. CPHE will distinguish itself from other accreditors by offering a distinctive value proposition that includes: • A focus on the public mission of state…

Institution accreditation is the process by which an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education assesses colleges and universities for compliance and quality. Accreditation is meant to reassure students and parents, along with federal officials, that colleges and universities are worthy of receiving federal student financial aid (“Title IV dollars”) to support students. Accreditation…