The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) is a non-profit organization that serves as a recognized institutional accrediting agency for various independent colleges and universities in the United States. ACICS is recognized by the United States Department of Education as well as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The main purpose of ACICS is to evaluate the educational programs and operations of these institutions to ensure they meet certain standards of quality and integrity.
ACICS is responsible for conducting comprehensive reviews of colleges and universities seeking accreditation, taking into account factors such as curriculum, faculty qualifications, student services, educational resources, and institutional effectiveness. The accreditation process involves site visits, document reviews, and interviews with faculty, staff, and students to assess an institution's compliance with ACICS standards.
Being accredited by ACICS provides institutions with a level of assurance that they meet recognized standards of quality and that the degrees and credits they award are valid and valuable. It also ensures that students attending these institutions can access federal financial aid programs, as ACICS accreditation is a requirement for such eligibility.
However, it is important to note that ACICS has faced controversies and scrutiny in recent years regarding its accreditation practices. Due to concerns about lax oversight and the accreditation of low-quality institutions, it lost federal recognition in December 2016. Following various legal battles and changes to its accreditation processes, ACICS regained federal recognition in 2018.
In summary, ACICS is an accrediting agency responsible for evaluating the quality and integrity of independent colleges and universities in the United States, aiming to ensure that these institutions provide a legitimate education to their students.
