• It offers quality assurance for the institution as a whole, including mission, finances, resources and administration, which gives students and employers peace of mind about the credibility and validity of the institution.
• It can make transferring credits easier, as accreditation status gives an indication of the quality of instruction at a student's prior institution.

• It affects students’ ability to receive federal financial aid for their education and may even impact some private forms of aid as well like scholarships.
• Accreditation verifies that institutions are creating an environment that fosters positive academic outcomes that impact student success after graduation.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) creates a state-level reciprocity process for online and distance education. Institutions participating in SARA are authorized through SARA to deliver online education to students living in other SARA-member states. Additionally, institutions can engage in a limited number of activities related to online and distance education.

The CU Anschutz Medical Campus (as part of the University of Colorado Denver) is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). The University is authorized to provide distance education, including online classes, continuing education opportunities, field trip experiences, and "experiential" activities to students located in other states that participate in NC-SARA. For more information, visit our State Authorization page. 

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus College of Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the national accreditation agency.

CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing education across the United States.

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)

The Colorado School of Public Health is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) CEPH assures quality in public health education and training to achieve excellence in practice, research and service, through collaboration with organizational and community partners.

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree offered by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). ACPE assures the quality of pharmacy education and training and supports the advancement of the pharmacy profession.

Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)

The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree offered by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE accredits physical therapist professional education programs offered at the clinical doctoral degree level by higher education institutions in the United States and internationally.