The Candidate for Accreditation status offers developing postsecondary institutions the opportunity to establish a formal, publicly recognized relationship with the Commission on Colleges. Operating nonaccredited higher institutions that meet the basic eligibility requirements for the Commission may apply. Candidate for Accreditation is an affiliated, nonaccredited relationship with the Commission. Only accredited institutions are members of the Association.
Candidacy indicates that an institution is progressing toward accreditation.
Attainment of the affiliate status does not ensure accreditation. Attainment of candidacy status is the outcome of approval by the Commission on Colleges at two separate, sequential stages. Application for Consideration. If the Commission instead determines that additional information is needed, it may request the institution to host a visit by a Commission representative. Typically, the results of the preliminary visit will be considered at the next Commission meeting.