Accreditation
Current Institutional Status: Fully Accredited
Institutional Accreditor: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
NECHE is the institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation affirms that the College meets NECHE’s standards for educational quality, institutional effectiveness, governance, and student success.
Joint Statement: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and Saint Michael’s College
Understanding Recent NECHE Action
A Notation is when NECHE determines that the public should be notified when conditions at an institution with respect to the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation are such that the institution’s candidacy or accreditation may be in jeopardy if current conditions continue or worsen.
| Commission Action | What It Means |
|---|---|
| **Notation | The institution remains accredited while NECHE monitors specific concerns. |
| Probation | NECHE has determined the institution is not currently in compliance with one or more accreditation standards. |
| Show Cause | NECHE requires the institution to demonstrate why accreditation should continue before considering further action. |
** Bolded text denotes Saint Michael’s College’s current accreditation status.
Strengthening Saint Michael’s College
The work to strengthen Saint Michael’s College has occurred over the past two and a half years, before NECHE’s June 2026 action. During that time, the College has undertaken one of the most significant institutional transformations in its recent history to ensure long-term financial sustainability while remaining faithful to its Catholic and Edmundite mission.
Financial Stewardship
- Aligned the number of staff and faculty positions with sustainable enrollment numbers.
- Continued investment in student success.
Academic Transformation
- Creation of four interdisciplinary schools.
- Reviewed and restructured academic portfolio.
- Added academic offerings, including Emergency Services.
- Merged some academic programs to increase interdisciplinary experiences and better align with the job market.
Student Affordability
The introduction of the Flagship Tuition Match expanded access to talented students across the country while improving long-term enrollment competitiveness and demystifying the financial aid equation for families.
Governance
The College reorganized and strengthened governance and administrative decision-making to improve long-term institutional effectiveness.
Enrollment
- Enrollment has stabilized over the past three years, including for fall 2026.
- The College is continuing to receive deposits from new students for the Fall 2026 semester.
- Net tuition revenue is also projected to increase.
- The tuition discount rate is projected to improve.
Philanthropy
The College recently completed its strongest fundraising year in more than a decade. Fundraising doubled between 2025 and 2026.
Looking Ahead
Saint Michael’s College continues to work collaboratively with NECHE. Current initiatives include:
- Preparing the College’s comprehensive response to the Commission.
- Continuing enrollment and affordability initiatives.
- Implementing additional strategic priorities identified during the institutional transformation.
- Continued evaluation of long-term financial resources.
Does this affect current students?
No. Students continue to receive the same accredited education and degrees from Saint Michael’s College
Will this page be updated?
Yes. As significant developments occur, this page will be updated so students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and the public have access to timely and accurate information.
About Accreditation:
NECHE is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation affirms that the College meets or exceeds NECHE’s standards for educational quality, institutional effectiveness and integrity, governance, institutional resources, and student success. Accredited institutions are periodically assessed through a peer review process.
Accreditation by NECHE is not partial but applies to the entire institution. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Contact
Questions regarding accreditation may be directed to:
Office of the President
OfficeofthePresident@smcvt.edu
or
New England Commission of Higher Education
301 Edgewater Place, Suite 210
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 425 7785
info@neche.org