Standards-based review for institutions and programs.

There are benefits of accreditation for schools, students, and the midwifery community. To take advantage of them, institutions and programs undergo a process of self- and peer-review.

Two paths, one set of standards

For

Institutional

Review and approval of an entire institution — including financial and management aspects. Limited to independent or freestanding educational entities that primarily provide midwifery education.

  • Free-standing, midwifery-focused entities
  • Full institutional review
  • Sustaining cycle every 4–6 years
For

Programmatic

Review and approval of a midwifery program housed within a larger institution. The institution must already be accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  • Program-level review
  • Sponsor institution accredited elsewhere
  • Aligned with MEAC's ten standards

Prospective Applicant Accreditation Training

Every school undergoes a four-stage training before submitting a Part I Application.

1

Self-guided study

Read the MEAC Accreditation Handbook and learn about our standards and the value of accreditation. Contact the Director of Accreditation to access materials.

Start anytime
2

Live session

Live session on best practices in accreditation. Invitation-only for schools that have completed Stage One.

March & October
3

Readiness assessment

Detailed self-conducted readiness assessment using materials provided after Stage Two.

After Stage 2
4

One-on-one meeting

Meeting with the Director of Accreditation to review the assessment and decide on next steps. Part I Application provided after this meeting.

By appointment
Part I Applications are accepted in February and August only. Up to two applicants per cycle are selected based on readiness.

MEAC's ten standards

Each accredited institution or program demonstrates compliance with all ten.

01

Measures student success with respect to the school's mission

02

Bases its course of education on nationally recognized standards

03

Utilizes qualified faculty for its didactic and clinical education

04

Maintains appropriate facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources

05

Practices sound financial management

06

Provides appropriate student services

07

Establishes policies and procedures regarding student affairs

08

Includes minimum lengths of didactic and clinical education

09

Has a mechanism for responding to complaints

10

Is in compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act, if it chooses to participate

2025 Standards

The Accreditation Handbook

The complete reference for institutions and programs — initial accreditation, renewal, substantive change. Updated 2025 standards now in effect.

Fee calculator

Estimate your accreditation fees

Application fee$324.00
Base rate$2023.92
Per student (institution)$561.60
Site visit (3 visitors)$4500.00
Estimated total$7,409.52

For information only. Refer to Handbook Section E for the current fee schedule.

The fee calculator is provided for information purposes only. Please refer to the current Accreditation Handbook, Section E, for the full fee schedule.

What else to budget for

Annual financial audit or review
Independent annual assessment of an institution's finances. Audits required every other year if gross revenue exceeds $150,000; external reviews in the intermediate year.
$1,500–$8,000
State licensure / authorization
Required state authorization fees vary by jurisdiction.
Varies by state
Staffing & administration
Additional personnel may be needed to fulfill MEAC standards. Part I Application ~5 hrs · Part II Self-Evaluation ~100 hrs · Annual Reporting ~10 hrs.
Varies
Now recruiting

Become an Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) member.

ARC reviewers shape the future of midwifery education through structured peer review. Reviewers receive a $150 stipend for each completed review.

Apply to ARC
$150 stipend per review
Structured training & calibration
Remote review work
Connect with peer educators

Transparency in accreditation decisions

Call for commentOpen until JUN 15, 2026

Draft equity standard 4.3

Public comment is open for proposed updates to standard 4.3 on culturally-rooted curriculum.

DecisionsPosted MAY 2, 2026

Spring 2026 accreditation decisions

Three institutions received reaffirmation; one program advanced to pre-accreditation.

Public notificationsUpdated weekly

Substantive change notices

Required public notifications about changes at accredited institutions and programs.

Calendar years

Public accreditation information by year

Have a question?

Accreditation is non-governmental peer evaluation of educational institutions and programs to ensure a basic level of quality. Private associations like MEAC adopt criteria reflecting a sound educational program and evaluate institutions to determine whether they meet those criteria.