Accreditation Resources

JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE). The nation’s oldest regional accrediting association, NECHE accredits educational institutions internationally. This accreditation encompasses the university’s two campuses.

Preparation for the NECHE Visit

In 2019, Johnson & Wales University underwent a comprehensive evaluation visit by a team representing the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, NEASC).

The New England Commission of Higher Education is one of seven accrediting commissions in the United States that provide institutional accreditation on a regional basis. Accreditation is voluntary and applies to the institution as a whole. The Commission, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits approximately 220 institutions in the six-state New England region as well as several American-style institutions overseas.

Johnson & Wales University has been accredited by the Commission since 1993 and was last reviewed in 2008. Its accreditation by the Commission encompasses the entire institution, including the Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina campuses, and its College of Professional Studies (CPS).

To prepare for the visit, Johnson & Wales University engaged in a process of self-study, addressing the Commission’s “Standards for Accreditation.” An evaluation team then visited the institution to gather evidence that the self-study is thorough and accurate. Following a review process, the Commission itself took action to continue the university’s accreditation.

During a specific interval of time in 2019, the public was invited to submit comments regarding the institution (now closed). 

RELATED: Public Comments Process (PDF)