ACBSP : ACBSP Accreditation

ACBSP Accreditation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I.	What is the difference between an ACBSP member institution and an ACBSP accredited institution? Member institutions have paid their annual dues and are eligible for assistance in obtaining accreditation. Accreditation is a process established to ensure public protection of and instill public confidence in collegiate professional business schools and programs. In the United States, accreditation is voluntarily sought by institutions and is conferred by nongovernmental bodies. It is of two types: (1) Institutional and (2) Specialized. Institutional accreditation involves an evaluation of the entire institution and is usually provided by regional accreditation associations. In contrast, specialized accreditation involves the evaluation of particular units, schools or programs within an institution. The specialized function of ACBSP focuses on business schools and programs within colleges and universities that have already received institutional accreditation.
II.	What is the status of an institution that is a "Candidate" for Accreditation? An institution with "Candidacy Status" has paid a $1,250 fee and is preparing their program for accreditation within 5 years. It is especially designed to assist business schools and programs in developing a plan to become accredited. Mentoring, counseling and advising services are available from the National Office of ACBSP as well as from accredited institutions. A word of caution is in order at this point. While ACBSP wants to actively help institutions achieve accreditation, and while it has established this program for that purpose; ACBSP is not in a position to guarantee that institutions will receive accreditation by becoming a "Candidate" for Accreditation.
III.	What are the annual dues and fees? Membership Dues for Unaccredited Institutions -- $1,250 Annually (July 1 - June 30) Application for Candidacy -- $1,250 Application for Accreditation -- $2,500 (Candidates $1,250 counts toward the $2,500) Annual maintenance fee -- $500 during each year of candidacy. Membership for Accredited Institutions-- $1,850 Annually Deposit for Site Visitation -- $3,500 This deposit requirement is effective as of 2001/2002. This deposit will be increased if estimated costs exceed $3,500. After all expenses have been filed and reimbursed by ACBSP, the deposit balance will be reconciled and the institution will either receive a partial deposit refund or be invoiced in the amount by which actual costs exceed the deposit. Fee for Reaffirmation -- No Fee, only the cost of the site visit.
IV.	How many members are there currently? 109 Campuses offer both baccalaureate and associate programs of which 102 are accredited. ACBSP generally considers these these as baccalaureate/graduate degree institutions. 179 campuses offering only associate degrees of which 151 are accredited 299 campuses offering only baccalaureate/graduate degrees of which 160 are accredited