Reaffirmation of Accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Kutztown University Earns Reaffirmation of Accreditation from Middle States Commission on Higher Education

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - Kutztown University is proud to announce that the Middle States Commission on Higher Education has officially reaffirmed the university's accreditation. The action, taken during the Commission's March 2026 meeting, marks the successful conclusion of a multi-year self-study and peer-review process. Accreditation confirms that an institution's mission is being fulfilled and that students are receiving a high-value education that meets federal and regional standards.

During the October 2025 site visit, a team of eight peer evaluators met with stakeholders across campus, including the Council of Trustees, administration, faculty, staff and students. The team's final report highlighted KU's strengths, including:

• A strong program of high-impact practices including internships, study abroad and student research that enable students to apply their learning in practice and develop experience and skills that will support future careers and career planning.
• A 2024-25 retention rate of 81.6%, which serves as a positive marker of persistence, with recovery and specialized programs contributing to GPA and retention improvements.
• A rigorous, outcomes-based assessment process to evaluate the core curriculum that demonstrates exemplary faculty engagement.
• The use of a single digital platform for assessment, planning and reporting, which represents a notable best practice in institutional effectiveness.
• A commitment to educating and empowering students around their rights and responsibilities as members of the Kutztown University community.

"The reaffirmation of our Middle States accreditation is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and students," said Dr. Philip Cavalier, university president. "I am deeply grateful to the steering committee and the many stakeholders who participated in this rigorous self-study process. The Commission's recognition of our high-impact practices and our strong retention rate validates our collective commitment to student success. This milestone ensures that KU continues to serve as a premier regional institution that provides an affordable, high-quality education."

Occurring every eight years, Middle States accreditation is vital for the university, as it enables participation in federal financial aid programs and ensures the seamless transfer of credits for students.

For more information about Kutztown University's accreditation and to view the 2025 Self-Study, please visit https://www.kutztown.edu/middlestates.