The University of Connecticut is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Accreditation through NECHE assures current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, and employers of the high and enduring quality of a UConn education. It affirms that UConn meets rigorous standards for institutional integrity, academic quality, and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. 

In addition to institutional accreditation, many of UConn’s schools, colleges, and programs hold specialized accreditations that often rely on NECHE’s accreditation of the University as a whole. Accreditation also supports eligibility for federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and other forms of student funding. 

UConn has been continuously accredited by NECHE since 1931. The University submitted its most recent Five-Year Interim Report in 2021 and is currently preparing for its next comprehensive reaccreditation review, including a site visit in Fall 2026. 

Questions about UConn’s accreditation status may be directed to the Office of the Provost or to the New England Commission of Higher Education. 

Institutional Accreditation

Accreditation is a process for evaluating the quality of educational institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is one of the primary ways students, families, government agencies, employers, and the public assess the quality and credibility of higher education institutions. 

At the higher education level, colleges, universities, and academic programs are accredited by one of 19 recognized institutional accrediting organizations. Programs are accredited by approximately 60 recognized programmatic accrediting organizations. 

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is the umbrella organization for accrediting bodies within the United States. Organizations are recognized as official accrediting bodies when they have been approved by CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education, or both. 

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation Reports & Review Cycle

Every 10 years, UConn undertakes a comprehensive institutional self-study as part of its reaccreditation by NECHE. 

NECHE fifth-year interim reports ask institutions to reflect on progress since the previous comprehensive review and identify priorities leading into the next review cycle. 

• UConn Five-Year Interim Report (2021)
• NECHE response to Five-Year Interim Report, December 2021 (demonstrates UConn’s currently accredited status)  
• NECHE Accreditation Status (UConn listing)  
• UConn Student Consumer Information
• UConn Accreditation Archives

Specialized Accreditation

The University is accredited as an institution of higher learning, and many of its academic programs also hold additional, specialized accreditation. Internship and residency programs at the University and UConn Health also maintain accreditation where applicable.

Documentation of Institutional Accreditation Status

If you represent a UConn office or program and require a letter of accreditation, please contact the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Dr. Sarah Croucher at sarah.croucher@uconn.edu. As UConn’s Accreditation Liaison Officer, she will request a letter from NECHE tailored to your needs.

These requests are typically made by academic programs, schools, or colleges seeking documentation for programmatic accreditation purposes.

Individual students seeking documentation should contact the appropriate student-facing office for assistance. For example, visa-related documentation may be obtained through the Center for International Students and Scholars.

For general documentation purposes, the 2021 NECHE Interim Report response serves as confirmation of UConn’s status as a continuously accredited institution. UConn’s accreditation status is also listed in the U.S. Department of Education Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Complaints

Please follow the online instructions to file a complaint with NECHE. 

Contacts

Inquiries regarding NECHE accreditation status should be directed to the Provost’s Office. Individuals may also contact NECHE directly.