ACICS

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, commonly known as ACICS, was a national agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Its primary role was to provide accreditation to postsecondary institutions, focusing primarily on career-oriented, for-profit institutions. ACICS evaluated institutions based on their educational programs, administrative practices, and student outcomes to ensure they met certain quality standards. Institutions accredited by ACICS were eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs, such as Pell Grants and federal student loans.

Established in 1974, ACICS served a significant portion of the for-profit higher education sector for many years. However, the agency faced increasing scrutiny regarding the quality and outcomes of the institutions it accredited. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Education placed ACICS on probation, citing concerns about its oversight and the performance of its accredited schools. Following this period, the Department of Education ultimately withdrew ACICS's recognition in December 2016. This decision meant that institutions previously accredited by ACICS lost their eligibility for federal student aid, leading to significant disruption for many students and schools. Subsequently, ACICS ceased operations.

---