Accreditation
Higher Education Opportunity Act Consumer Information Under 34 CFR 663.43B
New England College of Optometry (the College) is accredited by both the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) of the American Optometric Association and by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE). Both ACOE and NECHE are recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities on the quality of education and adhere to the standards of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The College has been continuously accredited by ACOE since 1941 and by NECHE since 1976.
Periodically, the College undergoes a peer review process. As a result of the 2022/2023 visit, ACOE and NECHE determined that the College should
continue to be accredited. During the review process, the College is required to submit annual accreditation reports to ACOE and NECHE that meet their respective standards and address any recommendations that may have resulted from either the joint accreditation visit or interim filings. Requests for written documentation regarding the College’s accreditation may be directed in writing to the Office of the President, 424 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02115.
NECHE Fall 2022 Accreditation details
ACOE October 2021 Accreditation details
Specialized Accreditation
In addition to NECO’s regional accreditation, the College has specialized accreditation through the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). Every seven years, NECO undertakes a comprehensive self-study to inform its reaccreditation by ACOE. The current reaccreditation cycle will culminate in an evaluation by a visiting team of faculty and administrators from peer institutions in October 2021. Separately, ACOE reviews each of the College’s residency programs, on a different timetable.
Questions or complaints. If you have questions or complaints regarding the College’s accreditation, you may contact: Accreditation Council on Optometric Education 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd, Fl 1, St. Louis, MO 63141, 314-991-4100, or www.theacoe.org
Regional Accreditation Information
New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100
Burlington, MA 01803
855-886-3272
Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
One Ashburton Place, Room 1401
Boston, MA 02108
617-994-6950. Complaints information.