Accreditation is one of the clearest signals of academic quality, integrity, and accountability. At Maine College of Art & Design, institutional accreditation affirms that your education meets nationally recognized standards and that your degree or certificate is built to support long-term academic and professional goals.
Accrediting Bodies
Maine College of Art & Design is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the regional accrediting agency for colleges and universities in New England and select international institutions. The college’s accreditation was most recently reaffirmed in 2016.
NECHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). NECHE accreditation confirms that Maine College of Art & Design meets rigorous standards related to:
- Academic quality and curriculum design
- Faculty expertise and instructional effectiveness
- Student learning outcomes and support services
- Institutional governance, ethics, and financial sustainability
Accreditation is voluntary and earned through an extensive peer-review process. Its continuation requires ongoing evaluation and evidence of institutional effectiveness.
In addition to institutional accreditation, Maine College of Art & Design’s arts programs align with professional standards recognized by organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Why Accreditation Matters for Students
Accreditation directly affects your educational experience and future options. When you choose an accredited institution, you can be confident that your coursework, faculty mentorship, and learning environment meet established standards of excellence.
For students at Maine College of Art & Design, accreditation supports:
- Academic rigor and consistency across degree and certificate programs
- Eligibility for federal financial aid, where applicable
- Recognition by employers, graduate schools, and licensing bodies
- Transparency and accountability in institutional operations
Accreditation protects your investment in your education and ensures that your creative work is supported by a strong academic foundation.
How Accreditation Affects Credit Transfer
One of the most practical benefits of attending an accredited institution is credit transferability. Credits earned at Maine College of Art & Design are more likely to be recognized by other accredited colleges and universities should you pursue additional education.
While each institution sets its own transfer policies, regional accreditation through NECHE is widely respected and often required for credit evaluation. This is especially important for students who plan to:
- Continue from undergraduate to graduate study
- Transfer between institutions
- Apply coursework toward advanced degrees or professional credentials
Accreditation does not guarantee credit transfer, but it establishes the essential academic framework that makes transfer possible.
Membership in the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD)
Maine College of Art & Design is also a proud member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), a nonprofit consortium of 42 leading art and design colleges in the United States and Canada.
AICAD membership reflects Maine College of Art & Design’s commitment to:
- Artistic excellence and studio-based learning
- Peer collaboration across top art and design institutions
- Shared standards for creative education and professional preparation
Through AICAD, Maine College of Art & Design participates in national conversations shaping the future of art and design education, while remaining grounded in its intimate, student-centered learning environment.
Accreditation Contact Information
Questions regarding Maine College of Art & Design’s accreditation may be directed to:
Melissa Sullivan
Executive Assistant to the President
Phone: 207.699.5043
Email: msullivan@meca.edu
Accrediting Agency Contact
New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803-4514
Phone: 781.425.7785
Email: info@neche.org