What does accreditation mean for ISU?

Accreditation by NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities) provides important benefits for ISU. Accreditation provides a means of demonstrating quality via an external review process, encourages continuous improvement through self-study and evaluation, and ensures institutional integrity. This evaluation process and approval affords substantial benefits to ISU and its students.

Benefits to students:

• Without institutional accreditation, our students would not be able to apply for Federal Financial Aid. 
• Students benefit from the facilitation of transfer of credits between ISU and other accredited institutions. 
• Graduation from an accredited institution is required in order to apply for state licensure in some professions. 
• Accreditation communicates the quality and value of ISU degrees.

A large number of ISU students finance their educations at least in part through Federal Financial Aid. In 2019-20, ISU undergraduates received $24 million in federal student loans, $14 million in Pell Grants, and $40 million in grant or scholarship aid from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources. Without accreditation, our students would not be eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid, and many would not be able to attend.

Benefits to ISU:

• Accreditation makes ISU eligible for federal grants and loans.
• Accreditation allows ISU to maintain compliance with federal rules and policies.
• Completion of the rigorous peer review process signals that ISU meets accreditation standards and is fulfilling its mission.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website provides more information on the benefits of accreditation.