Florida’s State University System Board of Governors on Friday approved the creation of a new nonprofit accreditor for public higher education, advancing a multi-state effort to offer an alternative to the existing accreditation system used by most public colleges and universities.
The Commission for Public Higher Education, or CPHE, will be incorporated in Florida and function as an institutional accreditor focused on public postsecondary institutions across the United States with a stated goal prioritize student outcomes and advance academic quality. The organization is backed by six public university systems: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas A&M.
The Florida Board of Governors will serve as the sole initial member of the nonprofit, which will be governed by a board of directors appointed by each of the founding university systems. The board will be authorized to set accreditation standards, approve institutional applications, and hire the commission’s president. Directors will serve staggered four-year terms and are not compensated.
“The Board of Governors’ approval of the Commission for Public Higher Education marks a transformative moment for public postsecondary education,” said Chancellor Ray Rodrigues. “This bold, collaborative effort across multiple state systems reflects our shared commitment to accountability, innovation, and transparency in accreditation, ensuring colleges and universities deliver real value.”
When the initiative was first announced last month, state leaders said they sought to reduce the administrative burden often associated with traditional accreditors while maintaining compliance with federal requirements.
“Florida has set an example for the country in reclaiming higher education—and we’re working to make that success permanent. That means breaking the activist-controlled accreditation monopoly,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis in June. “[T]this accreditor will help ensure the Free State of Florida leads the way in higher education for decades to come.”
The organization intends to submit a petition to the U.S. Department of Education for recognition as a Title IV gatekeeper, which would allow institutions it accredits to remain eligible for federal financial aid programs. That process typically takes at least two years.
Until CPHE receives federal approval, colleges may pursue dual accreditation to maintain access to federal funds. The commission has outlined a framework for expedited applications from institutions currently accredited by a federally recognized agency. It will conduct reviews through an interim committee staffed by academic experts, auditors, and compliance officers.
The initiative follows recent legislative changes in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas that allow or require institutions to seek accreditation from agencies other than their current one. Florida law now prohibits public colleges and universities from using the same accreditor for consecutive cycles. North Carolina and Texas adopted similar measures, aimed in part at creating flexibility in response to perceived limitations in the current accreditation landscape.
CPHE is initially funded by a $4 million appropriation approved by the Florida Legislature. Officials expect the other founding systems to provide additional financial or staffing support. Long-term revenue will come from institutional membership fees and optional consulting services. According to the commission’s business plan, fees will be scaled based on institutional size and budget, with implementation expected to begin in 2027.
The commission will be based in Tallahassee and staffed by a full-time president, accreditation officers, and administrative personnel. The governing documents allow for future expansion of its board and membership, though additional members would need approval from the Florida Board of Governors.
