Release – Thursday, March 19, 2026.
WARREN, Pa. – Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) has been officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as of March 12, 2026, affirming NPRC’s commitment to educational excellence, integrity, and transformative student outcomes.
The announcement follows a comprehensive multi-year process that included self-study and an in-depth review by a team of peer evaluators. Accreditation ensures that NPRC meets full compliance with MSCHE’s quality standards, which evaluates institutions across all areas of operation. As an institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, NPRC will continue to ensure that it meets the high expectations of accreditation by conducting its next comprehensive Self-Study Evaluation and On-Site Evaluation visit at least every eight years.
“NPRC has long awaited this day, and we couldn’t be prouder to reach a milestone that we have worked toward so tirelessly for so many years,” President Susan Snelick explained. “This achievement would not have been possible without the stellar NPRC team, our visionary and unwavering Board, committed legislators, and the steadfast support of our communities. Through rigorous peer review, this accomplishment affirms the strength, integrity, and promise of NPRC as we continue advancing our mission for the region.”
MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accreditor responsible for ensuring that higher education institutions meet established benchmarks for effectiveness and integrity. The accreditation applies to all academic programs, student services, brand communications, and ethical governance. As stated in the MSCHE Standards for Accreditation, institutions that meet these criteria can confidently declare: “Our students are well-served; society is well-served.”
This accreditation comes at a moment of growth and transformation for the institution. Over the past five-plus years, NPRC has expanded academic and workforce development offerings, deepened community partnerships, and grown enrollment while staying true to its mission: putting learners first by providing affordable and accessible education and career pathways to sustainable income.
Over 100 members of the NPRC community—including faculty, staff, students, and members of the board of trustees participated in the accreditation process from beginning to end. Their efforts were guided by core priorities such as enhancing student experience, expanding access, and advancing mission-driven leadership. The peer review team commended the College’s transparency, relentless work, and focus on student outcomes.
NPRC’s accreditation ensures continued eligibility for federal funding and affirms the institution’s academic quality and integrity. Most importantly, it reinforces the promise that every NPRC student receives a meaningful education; one that nurtures talent and hard work, while also preparing graduates to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
“For me, one of the most important aspects of accreditation is a commitment to and a demonstration of continuous improvement,” shared Vice President of Academics Dr. Ben Malczyk. “The accreditation process highlights how NPRC continues to improve and strengthen its efforts to achieve our mission of providing affordable and accessible education, especially for our rural students. Our focus on continuous improvement as evidenced by this accreditation status, demonstrates that NPRC is in a strong position now, and is primed to grow and become even stronger in our efforts to fulfill our mission and serve Pennsylvania.”
For more information about this milestone for the College, visit www.regionalcollegepa.org.
About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College’s mission is to put learners first by providing affordable and accessible education and career pathways to sustainable income. NPRC brings affordable education to a 10-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations as well as remote attendance and asynchronous course options, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional College is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home or who need flexibility in their educational journey. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. NPRC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). https://regionalcollegepa.org.
About MSCHE: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a global institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Secretary of Education since 1952. As an accreditor and member of the regulatory triad, MSCHE assures students and the public of the educational quality for its over 500 institutions of higher education. The Commission’s accreditation process ensures institutional accountability, self-appraisal, improvement, and innovation through peer review and the rigorous application of standards within the context of institutional mission. https://www.msche.org/.
