Company Directory - Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Company Details - Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
WebsiteThe Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of higher education institutions in its jurisdiction, which includes institutions in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. MSCHE evaluates institutions based on standards of excellence and provides accreditation as a mark of quality assurance for prospective students and the public.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
24.02
3.71%
Latest Event
MSCHE Faces Accreditational Dilemma Amid Political Pressure
Following the Trump administration's notification that Columbia University violated Title VI, MSCHE's accreditation standards are drawn into a politically charged debate. The move underscores the tension between upholding civil rights protections in higher education and political interference aimed at leveraging accreditation processes.
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Middle States Commission on Higher Education is currently rated as a Saboteur.
Latest Events
- JUN042025
Following the Trump administration's notification that Columbia University violated Title VI, MSCHE's accreditation standards are drawn into a politically charged debate. The move underscores the tension between upholding civil rights protections in higher education and political interference aimed at leveraging accreditation processes.
- JUN042025
On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Education Department notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia University is allegedly in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws, specifically for tolerating harassment of Jewish students. As the accrediting body, MSCHE is now expected to enforce compliance to protect marginalized students and uphold anti-discrimination standards.
- APR232025
On April 23, 2025, MSCHE President Dr. Heather Perfetti issued a statement strongly rejecting President Trump's characterization of accrediting agencies. The statement emphasized the agency's commitment to quality assurance, diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, and urged the Secretary of Education to pursue a negotiated rulemaking process that would enhance institutional accountability.
+50
Public and Political Behavior
June 4
MSCHE's public statement critiques President Trump's executive order and mischaracterization of accrediting agencies, positioning the institution as supportive of inclusive, quality-focused policies. This response reflects a clear anti-authoritarian and progressive stance, aligning with anti-fascist values by defending regulatory integrity and equitable higher education standards.
Accreditors React to President Trump’s Latest Executive Order Targeting College Oversight
- APR232025
On April 23, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order aimed at accrediting bodies, threatening sanctions for practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In response, MSCHE President Heather F. Perfetti issued a statement on behalf of the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC), defending accreditation standards and academic freedom against what she characterized as political interference.
+70
Executive Political Engagement
June 4
MSCHE, through its president, actively engaged in the political debate by issuing a statement against the Trump administration's Executive Order that targets accreditors and undermines DEI initiatives. This act of public political engagement is seen as a stand against authoritarian interference in educational quality and civil rights, aligning with progressive and anti-fascist principles.
- MAR312025
According to OpenSecrets data, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education spent $10,000 on lobbying activities during 2025. This spending raises concerns about potential efforts to influence higher education policy and regulatory oversight in a politically charged environment.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
June 4
The report reveals that MSCHE has spent $10,000 on lobbying in 2025. In the context of rising authoritarian influences and the importance of transparency in political activities, this expenditure is concerning as it suggests potential attempts to shape policy in ways that may favor entrenched power structures. This is particularly problematic for an accrediting body that should maintain impartiality in its oversight of higher education institutions.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education Lobbying Profile
- JAN012025
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education spent $10,000 on lobbying efforts in 2025, as reported by OpenSecrets. The report details the commission's engagement with external public relations firms and former congressional staffers to influence U.S. policy.
-20
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
June 4
The commission's lobbying expenditure represents an active use of political leverage, which may contribute to undue influence in policymaking. This action raises concerns over the integrity and accountability expected from a public accrediting agency.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education Lobbying Reports
- DEC162024
During its annual accreditation conference held on December 16, 2024, MSCHE discussed the looming changes in higher education policy as President-elect Donald Trump is set to return. Discussions focused on potential political pressures such as threats to fire accreditors and demands to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion standards, highlighting the challenges MSCHE may face in maintaining accreditation integrity amid an authoritarian agenda.
+40
Public and Political Behavior
June 4
MSCHE’s conference prominently featured discussions on the potential impacts of President-elect Trump’s proposed higher education reforms, including the rollback of DEI requirements and the threat to fire accreditors. This indicates the organization is actively engaging with external political pressures and is aware of the risks posed by authoritarian policies. By preparing for these pressures and working to improve communication with institutions, MSCHE demonstrates a proactive stance in defending quality and inclusivity in higher education.
- OCT052023
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education released a draft accreditation policy aimed at intensifying the scrutiny of college contracts with third-party providers, particularly targeting outsourced marketing, recruiting, and other key services. The policy, open for public comment until October 20, and slated for implementation on January 1, is intended to ensure that outsourced arrangements do not compromise educational quality or student protections.
+40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
June 4
The new draft policy from MSCHE represents a progressive step in reinforcing ethical oversight in higher education by holding colleges accountable for their third-party contracts, particularly with online program management companies. This increased scrutiny can help safeguard student interests and curb exploitative practices, which aligns with anti-authoritarian and student-protection principles.
Middle States plan calls for ‘intense scrutiny’ of outsourced marketing, recruiting
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