Current Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in a 19 state region, which includes the state of Arkansas.
HLC Mission: Advance the common good through quality assurance of higher education as the leader in equitable, transformative and trusted accreditation in the service of students and member institutions.

The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs is the largest programmatic accreditor of the health sciences professions. In collaboration with its Committees on Accreditation, CAAHEP reviews and accredits over 2100 individual education programs in 32 health science occupations. CAAHEP accredited programs are assessed on an ongoing basis to assure that they meet the Standards and Guidelines of each profession.

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) exists to determine, through examination, if an individual has acquired both theoretical and practical knowledge of surgical technology or surgical first assisting. In addition, through the acquisition of continuing education credits or by re-examination, CST’s certified after August 31, 1977 and all CST/CSFAs are required to stay up to date with changes in the medical field.

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a national nonprofit working to improve education-to-career pathways for adult learners. We help organizations succeed by providing expertise, resources, and innovative solutions that effectively support adult learners as they navigate on- and off-ramps between education and employment.

Arkansas State University–Newport has been recognized as an Opportunity College and University in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This means ASU-Newport provides strong access to college for a wide range of students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—while also helping graduates earn competitive wages after completing their programs.

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is a nonprofit organization that helps expand students’ access to educational opportunities and ensure more efficient, consistent, and effective regulation of distance education programs. ASU-Newport has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.