Frequently Asked Questions
More on PSC’s accreditation model, priorities, and organization.
What kinds of institutions does the Postsecondary Commission accredit?
PSC accredits US-based institutions with a wide range of degree and certificate types, across a wide range of fields of study. Institutions accredited by PSC produce strong economic outcomes 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. PSC’s application for federal recognition as an accreditor is currently in a review process with Department staff. It will then be reviewed by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), a federal advisory committee. Once NACIQI reviews PSC’s application, the committee will make a recommendation about PSC’s recognition to the political leadership at the Department. In the final step of the recognition process, PSC’s application will receive a final decision from the Department’s political leadership.
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.
How does PSC measure economic mobility?
How does 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 ongoing monitoring process to track progress toward outcomes. PSC may take a range of enforcement actions with an institution that 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?
There are currently three institutions accredited by or seeking accreditation with PSC: Texas State Technical College (TSTC), University of North Texas (UNT), and Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). We expect that additional institutions will seek accreditation with PSC in the coming months and years.
How is PSC prioritizing consumer protection?
PSC has a number of requirements in place designed to protect consumer and taxpayer investments. First, PSC’s bright line student achievement standard — the minimum value-added earnings outcomes standard — ensures that institutions produce wage gains great enough to compensate students for their educational costs in a reasonable timeframe. Second, PSC’s information disclosure standard ensures that institutions are transparent about their outcomes and various aspects of their design and operations. Finally, PSC maintains robust processes 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 have no 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.