Why ABHE?

ABHE’s Commission on Accreditation serves biblical higher education through accreditation shaped by peer review, shared standards, and a commitment to quality and integrity. Participation in the accreditation process is voluntary, and the goal is not only to confirm substantial compliance with standards, but also to help institutions strengthen their mission, effectiveness, and long-term improvement.

Who should consider ABHE?

Institutions should consider institutional accreditation when they are seeking review and recognition of the whole institution. Institutions should consider programmatic accreditation when they already hold institutional accreditation from another recognized accreditor and want ABHE review of specific biblical/theological or ministry-related programs.

Your first required step

Every institution formally begins the process by scheduling a Preliminary Visit with a Commission Staff Representative. This required one-day visit must take place within 24 months before the application is submitted and is designed to help the institution understand the accreditation process, timeline, and expectations while giving ABHE an initial assessment of readiness and achievement of the Conditions of Eligibility for accreditation.

What you will submit

After the Preliminary Visit, institutions submit an ABHE online application, documentation showing compliance with the Conditions of Eligibility, an official CEO letter stating the board’s desire to pursue accreditation, and an official CEO statement reflecting the board’s affirmation of the ABHE Tenets of Faith. For each Condition of Eligibility, the institution provides a short narrative plus supporting documentation.

What the journey usually involves

Applicant — Your institution demonstrates that it meets the Conditions of Eligibility and shows the capacity to move toward candidate status.
Candidate — Your institution demonstrates substantial progress through annual reporting, self-study, and peer review as it moves toward initial accreditation.
Accredited — Your institution demonstrates substantial compliance with ABHE standards and a commitment to ongoing improvement.

Planning your investment

Institutions should plan for three kinds of investment: annual dues and accreditation fees, visit-related travel and evaluation costs, and internal staffing capacity for reporting, self-study, and follow-through. ABHE’s guidance notes that many institutions budget approximately $12,000 per year for Commission and Association dues plus staff consultation visits, with additional expense during evaluation-team-visit years. Institutions should also be realistic about the staff time required to manage accreditation work well and should confirm exact current costs in the Fee Schedule.

Resources for the journey

• Institutional Accreditation Inquiry Packet — a starting overview of the journey, timeline, application requirements, and fee guidance
• Institutional Accreditation Application Sample PDF – questions and data that will be asked in the online application form
• Programmatic Accreditation Inquiry Packet – a starting overview of the journey, timeline, application requirements, and fee guidance for Programmatic Accreditation
• Programmatic Accreditation Application Sample PDF – questions and data that will be asked in the online application form
• Readiness Snapshot – designed to help the institution review their preparedness for hosting a Preliminary Visit
• Standards and Policies Manual — the official source for ABHE Conditions of Eligibility, standards, policies, and procedures
• Self-Study Guide — practical guidance for preparing self-study materials and hosting an evaluation visit
• Evaluation Team Handbook — a helpful reference for understanding what evaluators review during a visit
• Tenets of Faith — the theological affirmation affirmed by the institution’s board
• Fee Schedule — current dues, visit fees, and related accreditation costs

Schedule a Preliminary Visit

ABHE’s process begins with a one-day Preliminary visit. Start by calling the COA office 407-208-0808 ext. 2 or emailing coa@abhe.org to ask remaining general questions about accreditation and the process before scheduling your required Preliminary Visit. This visit must occur within 24 months before an application is submitted. The visit helps the institution understand the timetable and gives ABHE a preliminary assessment of readiness in relation to the Conditions of Eligibility.

Related links

• Conditions of Eligibility
• Institutional Accreditation Standards
• Programmatic Accreditation Standards