The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM) is proud to announce that it has received initial accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
With this milestone, ACM is among a select group of institutions in Europe offering fully U.S.-accredited degree programs.
NECHE, a U.S.-based institutional accreditor, is a recognized authority on academic quality and institutional integrity. Accreditation by NECHE affirms that ACM meets rigorous standards for academic excellence, governance, and institutional effectiveness through a comprehensive peer review process.
What This Means for Students
Students at ACM now benefit from the assurance of a U.S.-accredited education while pursuing their studies in a uniquely international setting.
For degree-seeking students, accreditation confirms the institution’s adherence to rigorous U.S. standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness. For students enrolled through ACM’s study abroad institute, the Institute for American Universities (IAU), this accredited status further strengthens confidence among partner institutions and facilitates the recognition and transfer of credits earned abroad. ACM offers students the opportunity to engage in a high-quality, U.S.-accredited academic experience in Europe, whether for a semester, summer, January term, or full degree program.
“Achieving U.S. accreditation is a transformative milestone for ACM and, most importantly, for our students,” said President Carl Jubran. “It expands access to financial resources, strengthens pathways to graduate study, and supports broader recognition of our degrees. It also enhances our ability to serve students and partner institutions alike, reinforcing the strength and reach of our academic programs across the Mediterranean.”
A Milestone in Institutional Growth
Initial accreditation marks a significant milestone for the institution, further underscoring its commitment to providing excellence in international education. Institutions seeking NECHE accreditation must complete a rigorous multi-year process. ACM achieved eligibility in 2019, candidacy status followed in 2021, and ACM was granted expedited consideration for initial accreditation in 2023.
In preparation for its accreditation review, ACM undertook a comprehensive, evidence-based, and mission-centered self-study process involving leadership, faculty, staff, and students across the institution. Through the sustained engagement of the ACM community, the institution affirmed its commitment to institutional excellence, continuous improvement, and reflective practice aligned with NECHE Standards.
The process toward accreditation has served as a forward-looking platform for growth and strategic development at ACM. The College is now well-positioned to move confidently into its next chapter, delivering an American-style liberal arts education through immersive, site-specific learning across the Mediterranean.
“Accreditation of ACM comes as we prepare to celebrate the 70th anniversary of our IAU study abroad programs in 2027. With a tradition of excellence that reaches back to the early days of international education and the enhanced credibility of U.S. accreditation, ACM is now poised to become one of the preeminent American universities in Europe,” said ACM Board Chair, Joseph Herlihy.
