CPHE FAQs
In June 2025, the Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) was created as an innovative collective of six public university systems, including the UNC System. NCCU is at the beginning of an ongoing process to explore the CPHE standards and expectations. At present, NCCU remains fully accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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The CPHE was created in June 2025 as an accrediting agency for public universities granting associate’s, bachelor’s and/or higher degrees that will seek approval from the U.S. Department of Education. Its core principles include an endorsement for a peer review process, a focus on student outcomes, and intent for efficiency.
CPHE’s outcomes-based approach to accreditation — emphasizing student achievement, community impact, and operational excellence — resonates with NCCU’s commitment to preparing global leaders who transform communities. The streamlined accreditation process offers cost efficiencies and reduces administrative burdens, allowing us to focus more fully on academic excellence and student support.
While NCCU explores membership in CPHE, our institution will remain fully accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Programs and departments that are accredited by discipline-specific entities, such as nursing, education and business, will not be impacted and will remain under their existing agencies. CPHE only applies to institutional accreditation, which is needed for us to remain eligible for federal financial aid.
CPHE’s peer-led review model ensures evaluations are grounded in the realities of public higher education. Additionally, CPHE’s pursuit of federal recognition will help NCCU maintain access to Title IV financial aid programs, further supporting our students’ success.
This is a process that will extend over multiple years. CPHE hopes to become approved by the U.S. Department of Education by 2028. In the meantime, NCCU will comply with all SACSCOC standards and requirements.
Students’ eligibility for federal financial aid will not be impacted during this process, as NCCU remains in full compliance with SACSCOC. If any changes are to occur in the future, they will only come after detailed planning, to include assurance of students’ financial aid awards.
Each institution has the option to select the accrediting agency that best reflects its strategic goals and objectives.
Members of the Office of Academic Affairs, including the Office of University Accreditation and the Office of Academic Programs and Undergraduate Research, have reviewed drafts of the accreditation standards and participated in CPHE listening sessions and working groups. Additional faculty and staff will be invited to participate in future opportunities to engage with CPHE.