Chesapeake College’s commitment to delivering high-quality education is affirmed through its accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Accreditation is a rigorous process that evaluates the college’s programs, operations, and student outcomes to ensure academic excellence and institutional effectiveness. This status not only validates the strength of our educational offerings but also assures our students, community, and stakeholders of our continued dedication to growth and improvement.
About Middle States
Chesapeake College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a recognized leader in voluntary, peer-based institutional accreditation. MSCHE is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to evaluate colleges and universities. As MSCHE explains, “The accrediting process strengthens and sustains the quality and integrity of higher education, ensuring public confidence and minimizing external control.”
Chesapeake’s Middle States accreditation ensures that the college:
- Maintains academic rigor across its programs and courses
- Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence in higher education
- Uses resources effectively to fulfill its mission
- Enables students to qualify for financial aid
- Builds confidence in the value of its educational programs
- Supports program-specific accreditation efforts
- Maintains fiscal responsibility and transparency
- Remains competitive in attracting quality students and staff
Additionally, Chesapeake College is approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to offer associate degrees and certificates. MHEC also approves the college to receive veterans’ benefits.
How is Accreditation Maintained?
Since FY2018, MSCHE has implemented an annual reporting process to ensure continued institutional compliance. This process includes the Annual Institutional Update, which evaluates metrics related to student achievement and financial stability. At the midpoint of the eight-year accreditation cycle, a peer review team assesses these metrics to determine if further action is needed.
At the end of each accreditation cycle, Chesapeake College participates in an in-depth self-study. This comprehensive evaluation examines institutional effectiveness in the context of MSCHE’s seven Standards for Accreditation. The process involves a detailed narrative report, documentation review, peer site visits, and final Commission action.
Accreditation Statement
Chesapeake College was first accredited in 1970, with its most recent reaffirmation occurring in 2015. A progress report submitted in 2017 documented ongoing improvements in student learning outcomes. The current self-study process, set for completion in 2024, continues to assess and enhance our institutional practices. For more details, visit MSCHE Accreditation Status.
Program Accreditation
Several Chesapeake health profession programs are accredited by separate governing bodies specific to the discipline. Each has its own standards for accreditation as well as assessment criteria. Those programs, which are referenced below, each have varying accreditation cycles.
Contact Information
Institutional Research Planning and Effectiveness
Learning Resource Center
Second Floor
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.