Cornell University has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1921 and was most recently reaffirmed in 2021. Cornell’s official Statement of Accreditation Status is maintained at the Middle States website.
What Is Accreditation?
Accreditation in higher education is a process of peer review for colleges, universities, and educational programs. In the U.S., accreditation is carried out through private, nonprofit organizations rather than the federal government. Cornell is accredited through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Accreditation is voluntary but it is required in order for students to gain access to federal funds including student grants and loans. Non-accredited institutions are not eligible to receive for federal financial aid.
Cornell University’s accreditation review covers the breadth of the university, including Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and instructional activities around the world.
Types of Accreditation
- Institutional accreditation: Institutional accreditors review entire institutions. Cornell is accredited through Middle States, an entity established to provide accreditation for institutions in the mid-Atlantic region of the US.
- Specialized and Professional Accreditation: Specialized and professional accreditors operate throughout the country and review programs and some single-purpose institutions. At Cornell, there are 21 programs that have specialized or professional accreditation.
Process
Accreditation typically requires a thorough self-study by the institution or program under review followed by a review by peers who visit campus. Accreditation judgments are based on standards of quality developed by the accrediting organization in consultation with the higher education community.
Cornell’s most recent self-study and accreditation visit was in fall 2020. That process is described further here. Previously submitted self-study reports can be found here.
Student Grievances
Information on how to file a complaint with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) regarding an accredited MSCHE institution can be found on its website at: https://www.msche.org/.