Issue Briefs Subject(s): Higher Education Published: January 7, 2015 Agency: Legislative Council Staff Accreditation refers to an external review process used to analyze colleges, universities, and other educational programs for academic quality and accountability. For institutions and programs of higher education in the United States, accreditation is a voluntary process; however, it is also the primary method by which students, families, policymakers, and the public know that an institution or program offers a quality education. Download Document