Frequently Asked Questions
More on PSC’s accreditation model, priorities, and organization.
What kinds of institutions does the Postsecondary Commission accredit?
The Postsecondary Commission is currently seeking recognition from the US Department of Education as an institutional accreditor with Title IV gatekeeping authority. As a federally recognized accreditor, PSC expects to accredit US-based institutions with a wide range of degree and certificate types, across a wide range of fields of study. Institutions accredited by PSC will produce high rates of economic mobility for their students.
Is PSC a federally recognized accreditor?
No, PSC is not yet a federally recognized accreditor. PSC is currently in the recognition process with the US Department of Education. Over the next several months, PSC’s application for federal recognition as an accreditor will go through several stages of review at the Department and before the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, an advisory committee.
Why does PSC prioritize economic mobility outcomes?
Students and families choose higher education for a variety of reasons. Getting a good job and economic security are repeatedly at the top of the list. PSC prioritizes economic mobility because of this and the belief that degrees should pay off in a reasonable timeframe.
How does PSC measure economic mobility?
How will PSC hold institutions accountable?
PSC is committed to holding institutions accountable for student outcomes as a way to protect students who invest time and money in higher education and taxpayers who help finance higher education. PSC has a particularly robust audit and ongoing monitoring process to track progress toward outcomes, and explicitly calls out a variety of negative actions that could be taken toward an institution if it fails to meet its standards.
Who funds the Postsecondary Commission?
The Postsecondary Commission is a non-profit organization that receives funding from individuals and foundations, including the Gates Foundation, the Charles Koch Foundation, and the ECMC Foundation.
What institutions are you currently working with?
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) received PSC accreditation in 2025 and is the agency’s first member institution. The University of North Texas (UNT) and Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) are currently in the accreditation process with PSC. We expect to have additional institutions seek accreditation with PSC in the coming months and years.
How is PSC prioritizing consumer protection?
PSC has in place a number of policies designed to protect consumer and taxpayer investments. First, PSC’s bright line student achievement standard – the minimum value-added earnings outcomes standard – ensures that students will know that their degree will provide them with a wage gain great enough to pay off their educational costs in a reasonable timeframe. Second, PSC’s transparency requirements and accountability provisions ensure that students know the outcomes of the programs they are considering and know that an institution accredited by PSC will be held accountable for those outcomes. And finally, PSC has a robust process for handling student complaints.
Why does PSC have a fully independent board?
PSC believes that it is important to minimize potential conflicts of interest. PSC’s Commissioners are independent and without any formal ties to any institution that PSC accredits.
Does PSC offer any services outside of accreditation?
Yes. In parallel to its work as an accreditor, PSC conducts studies of postsecondary economic outcomes in partnership with state agencies. PSC conducts these studies to inform decision makers in higher education, including institutions in their internal improvement work, students in their choices about pursuing postsecondary education, and policymakers in their general understanding of outcomes in higher education. Learn more about PSC’s research program.