Mission, Vision and Values

Mission
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) serves its members, students, and society through advocacy for the value and independence of accreditation, recognition of accrediting organizations, and commitment to quality in higher education.

Vision
CHEA will be recognized as the trusted, nonpartisan voice defending institutional autonomy, academic freedom, preservation of the peer review accreditation process, and mission-driven quality assurance, while strengthening the recognition process for accreditors and expanding CHEA’s global reach and impact.

Values
Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy – safeguarding the independence of higher education institutions and the peer review accreditation process.

Quality and Integrity – upholding rigorous standards that foster student success and strengthen public trust.

Access, Fairness, and Inclusion – affirming diversity of institutions, accreditors, and learners, and ensuring equitable opportunity for all.

Educational Opportunity for All– supporting the rights of every person to pursue education as a pathway to fulfillment and civic engagement.

Global Engagement – expanding CHEA’s reach to strengthen quality assurance worldwide.