What is NACIQI? Established by a Congressional statue in 1992 and maintained in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, NACIQI is responsible for overseeing the federal accreditation recognition process for institutions of higher education and accrediting agencies. Although the decision ultimately rests with the Secretary of Education, this advisory panel provides recommendations on which…

This “101” accreditation glossary is a handy resource decoding the language used during NACIQI meetings and other accreditation debates. From accreditors to on-site evaluations and self-study—the accreditation glossary summarizes the essentials behind the complex process of higher education accreditation. Download the 101: Accreditation Glossary here. 

What is the Triad? The process of regulating and guaranteeing the quality of higher education in the U.S. is complex and involves a number of distinct parties. The Higher Education Act (HEA) designates three separate entities—states, accreditation agencies, and the U.S. Department of Education (ED)—that must grant institutions of higher education (IHEs) approval in order…

What is postsecondary data? Postsecondary data captures information related to institutions of higher education (IHEs) – including colleges, universities, and technical and vocational programs – as well as students and their outcomes. This information may include institutional metrics, such as tuition and fees, and student-centered metrics, like admissions, enrollment, financial aid, completion, and employment outcomes.…