University Accreditation

In spring of 2019, the university is embarking on a university-wide self-study effort in pursuit of re-accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in spring 2021.

Accreditation in higher education is a process of peer review for colleges, universities, and educational programs. In the U.S., accreditation is carried out through private, nonprofit organizations. Cornell’s accrediting body, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, is an institutional accreditor recognized by the federal government. Middle States serves the accrediting agency for educational institutions in the mid-Atlantic region of the US.

Accreditation is voluntary but it is required in order for students to gain access to federal funds including student grants and loans. Non-accredited institutions are not eligible to receive for federal financial aid.

Cornell University’s accreditation review covers the breadth of the university, including Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City and instructional activities around the world.

Cornell University has been accredited by Middle States since 1921 and was most recently reaffirmed in 2016.

Previous accreditation reports can be found here.

Comments and questions can be sent to accreditation@cornell.edu.