Frequently-asked Questions about Accreditation
Like all other public and private colleges and universities in the New England region, USM must meet a set of standards developed by the New England Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NECHE) in order to receive a renewal of accreditation. Through these standards, NECHE measures each university in the region, making sure they are providing students with a quality education through their programs and services.
Accreditation provides assurance to prospective students, their families and the general public that an institution meets clearly stated Standards for Accreditation and that there are reasonable grounds to believe the institution will continue to meet those standards in the future. Accreditation is required for students to receive federal financial aid such as Pell Grants.
The New England Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NECHE) is the independent body that evaluates colleges and universities in the six state New England region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). The Commission consists of faculty and administrators from affiliated institutions and public members. It is served by a staff led by Dr. Barbara Brittingham. NECHE is one of six regional accreditation associations recognized by the U.S.Department of Education.