App State has submitted a letter of intent to seek accreditation through the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE), a new accrediting body developed by and for public colleges and universities, including those in the UNC System.
This begins a multi-year process to evaluate CPHE’s structure, standards and long-term implications for the university. Throughout this process, App State remains fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
About the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE)
The Commission for Public Higher Education is a consortium of higher education systems from several states offering a new accreditation model that will focus on academic excellence, student outcomes, process efficiency, and the pursuit of quality assurance for public postsecondary education. By establishing rigorous, transparent, and adaptable outcomes-based accreditation standards and practices, CPHE will ensure that colleges and universities meet and maintain academic quality and operational excellence on behalf of their students. The UNC System is among the participating systems helping to shape CPHE’s development.
App State’s exploration of CPHE accreditation
CPHE offers an opportunity to explore a model that recognizes the characteristics that distinguish institutions of public higher education. It is intended to focus on relevance, efficiency and shared governance while maintaining rigorous academic standards.
The letter of intent positions App State among an initial cohort of 10 institutions working with CPHE, affording an opportunity to provide input on the new accreditation model as it is being finalized.
Potential benefits to App State
App State is proud of its student success initiatives and return on investment for undergraduate and graduate academic programs. An accreditation process that emphasizes clear outcomes and helps focus the university’s work in alignment with public higher education standards will help bolster confidence in this institution and in the public higher education industry as a whole.
In addition, joining CPHE could offer a more tailored and efficient accreditation process for public universities.
Impact on SACSCOC accreditation
Submitting a CPHE letter of intent begins the review process.
App State remains fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) while it evaluates CPHE’s structure, standards and federal recognition process.
App State’s current accreditation was reaffirmed by SACSCOC in December 2024 and expires in 2034.
Accreditation of individual programs, colleges or departments
CPHE accreditation applies only to App State’s institutional accreditation, which is required for eligibility to receive and distribute federal financial aid.
Specialized accreditations held by programs, colleges and departments will remain under their existing accrediting agencies and are not impacted by this process.
Impact on App State’s R2 status
App State’s R2 designation will not be affected by this exploratory process.
R2 status is determined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which evaluates research activity and doctoral degree production, not accreditation.
Impact on students and financial aid
There will be no impact on students or their eligibility for federal financial aid.
App State’s SACSCOC accreditation remains fully active. Any future change in accreditor would occur only after federal recognition of CPHE and careful transition planning, which would include continuity in students’ financial aid packages.
Faculty and staff involvement in this process
Faculty participation is central to both accreditation and shared governance. Members of the UNC System’s Faculty Assembly are part of a multi-system faculty group, Faculty for Responsible Education and Accreditation, that has provided feedback on the draft standards and plans to continue engaging with CPHE. CPHE has also committed to having faculty representation on peer review committees.
Staff from App State’s Office of Institutional Research, Assessment and Planning, who lead SACSCOC accreditation, have contributed to a working group shaping CPHE’s standards.
The CPHE adopted initial accreditation standards on Oct. 1, 2025, which are subject to review and revision. Feedback submitted to CPHE will continue to inform evidentiary guidance to accompany the accreditation standards. CPHE will make a draft of the evidentiary guidance available for review and comment before adoption.
Process timeline
CPHE’s federal recognition process is expected to take several years. During that time, App State will continue to hold SACSCOC accreditation and participate in all required reviews and compliance reporting. CPHE anticipates becoming federally recognized in 2028.
UNC System and State of North Carolina legal considerations
UNC constituent institutions are required to maintain accreditation from a preferred accrediting agency. CPHE was designated a preferred accrediting agency in September 2025. Therefore, participation in CPHE is optional.
Each UNC System institution may decide whether CPHE’s model aligns with its mission and needs. App State’s decision to explore reflects an interest in understanding all available accreditation options and contributing constructively to its development.
Questions and feedback
Please direct questions and feedback to Academic Affairs at aa@appstate.edu.