The Distance Education Accrediting Commission has the authority to establish and promulgate criteria for the evaluation and accreditation of distance education institutions. These criteria take the form of Accreditation Standards, Policies, and Procedures set forth in the DEAC Accreditation Handbook. The Commission uses these criteria as it evaluates institutions and makes accreditation decisions. The criteria are under a continual and systematic review. Changes are made as appropriate and as required.
Persons, institutions and organizations with an interest in the accreditation standards and policies are invited to comment on Proposed Accreditation Standards, Policies and Procedures and will be notified of the date for when any changes will be given final consideration by the Commission. Interested persons, institutions, and organizations will be given at least 30 days to file written comments with the Executive Director.
The Commission, after considering written comments, will conduct a further review of changes proposed to the Standards, Policies and Procedures. The Commission may adopt the changes to Accreditation Standards, Policies and Procedures as proposed, adopt with changes or modifications, defer action until further study and consideration is given, or discard the proposed changes altogether.
Documents out for Public Comment
The Commission is seeking comments on a proposed new category of degree program: a reduced credit, 90 semester-hour applied bachelor’s degree. Please click here to review the proposed language.
The Commission is seeking comments on proposed standards for subscription-based tuition models. Please click here to review the proposed language.
The comment period will be open for 30 days (through August 30, 2025). All interested parties are invited to review the proposals and submit feedback. Comments received during this period will be carefully considered by the Standards Committee and then by the Commission before any final action is taken.