ASUN Earns National Accreditation for Concurrent Enrollment Program
NEWPORT, Ark. — Arkansas State University-Newport has earned initial accreditation for its Concurrent Enrollment Program through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), becoming one of just 136 accredited programs nationwide and one of 10 institutions to receive initial accreditation during the 2025-26 review cycle.
NACEP accreditation is the nation’s only accreditation process specifically focused on concurrent enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credit while completing their secondary education. Accreditation signifies that a program has met rigorous national standards in areas including faculty qualifications, curriculum alignment, student support, assessment, and program evaluation.
ASU-Newport’s accreditation follows a comprehensive self-study and peer-review process that evaluated the institution’s adherence to NACEP’s 16 standards for quality concurrent enrollment programs. The accreditation is valid for five years and reflects the university’s commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for high school students across the region.
“This accreditation validates the outstanding work our faculty, staff, and school district partners do every day to ensure students have access to rigorous, college-level coursework while still in high school,” said Ike Wheeler, interim chancellor of ASU-Newport. “Concurrent enrollment creates powerful opportunities for students to accelerate their educational goals, save money on college costs, and build confidence in their ability to succeed at the college level. We are proud to receive this national recognition and remain committed to providing exceptional experiences for the students and communities we serve.”
Through concurrent enrollment, high school students can earn transferable college credits, explore career pathways, and make meaningful progress toward a certificate or degree before graduating from high school. ASU-Newport partners with numerous school districts throughout Northeast Arkansas to expand access to these opportunities.
According to NACEP, accredited programs represent institutions that have demonstrated a deep commitment to quality, transparency, and continuous improvement. Accreditation serves as a benchmark for ensuring consistency in course content, student outcomes, faculty oversight, and institutional support.
ASU-Newport was recognized alongside institutions from across the country during NACEP’s 2025-26 accreditation cycle. NACEP will celebrate newly accredited and reaccredited programs at its 2026 National Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.
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