Institutional Accreditation
Accredited institutions of higher education have demonstrated adherence to quality standards through a rigorous process of self-study and peer review. Syracuse University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1921. (View Syracuse University Institutional Profile)
To retain accreditation, a review of the University’s academic and co-curricular programs and functional operations—known as a self-study—is conducted by the campus community every eight years. This inclusive, yearlong process reveals strengths as well as areas for improvement, with the ultimate goal of ensuring all programs exceed accreditation standards. A site visit by a group of peer reviewers from other accredited institutions follows submission of the final self-study report.
Syracuse University was most recently reaccredited in 2018. For more information:
- Visit the University’s directory listing on the MSCHE website for details about actions, alternative delivery methods, credential levels and locations.
U.S. Department of Education Recognition
MSCHE is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidacy status) activities for institutions of higher education, including distance education and correspondence education programs offered at those institutions, throughout the United States. USDE recognizes accrediting agencies deemed authorities on the quality of higher education. Under the Higher Education Act’s (HEA’s) federal student aid programs, accrediting agencies recognized by USDE must meet the Department’s regulatory criteria. MSCHE is a title IV gatekeeper and is a link to federal programs, and institutions access title IV through MSCHE accreditation.
Specialized Accreditation
Many of Syracuse University’s schools and colleges, academic programs and units are accredited by specialized and professional organizations, which follow a process similar to accreditation by MSCHE.
For more information, consult the Syracuse University Accreditation Schedule.
Student Grievances
For information about how to file a complaint regarding an MSCHE-accredited institution, visit www.msche.org.