The International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) has been providing accreditation to online universities since its inception. It was set up in 1994 to improve educational standards and commercial practices of online universities that have sprung up in the last few decades.

IACOU has recently emerged as the largest distance learning accreditation agency with accredited members all over the world. With its technically advanced accreditation program, IACOU offers distance learning institutions the most relevant, up-to-date and realistic services for the 21st century.

The accrediting functions of the IACOU are performed by a Commission which was set up to consider the quality of education and curriculum of different educational institutions. The member institutions of IACOU offer more than 500 different academic, vocational, and non-vocational courses through different modes of communication, preferably via e-mail. These courses sometimes make use of specially written learning texts while include audio-visual training devices, job enhancing materials, tools, computers and other equipment on other occasions.

The aim of IACOU is to support the maintenance and enhancement of quality standards for distance learning education. It promotes institutional self-improvement and aids its members in the quest for acceptance and excellence. It accomplishes its mission by providing quality academic and technical education along with customized industry training that is responsive to the workforce needs of both students and institutions.

IACOU establishes educational, ethical and business standards while also examines distance education institutions in terms of these standards. It accredits those who qualify through a procedure that is acceptable worldwide and which has been continuously refined and improved over the last two decades.

All Distance education institutions - public or private - located outside the United States are eligible to apply for accreditation. The opportunity to apply is open both at the degree (Associates through the First Professional degree level) and non-degree levels. Today, more than 3 million Americans are enrolled in IACOU-accredited institutions. According to an estimate, some 130 million Americans have taken distance education courses since 1980.



IACOU-accredited institutions have been leaders in the field of distance education since 1980. Following are the many benefits of being accredited by IACOU:

Accreditation provides reliability: Accreditation indicates quality institutions to all, from counselors to employers, educators to public et al.

Accreditation is expression of confidence: Accreditation is an expression of confidence in the educational program, the policies, and the procedures of the institution by its peers.

Accreditation is a stimulating source: Accreditation is an external source of stimulation to improve services, programs, and staff through periodic self-studies and evaluations by an outside agency.

Accreditation is a high-standard guarantee: Accreditation is an assurance of high standards and educational quality through the institution's adherence to established criteria, policies, and standards.

Accreditation is a recognized test: Accreditation brings the institution recognition through the extension of special status by several states under their legislation and regulations, as well as recognition given by federal, state, and local agencies in referring students to accredited schools.

Accreditation allows institutions get listed in IACOU: Accreditation allows an institution and its courses to be listed in the IACOU Directory of Accredited Institutions.

Accreditation permits use of IACOU seal: Accreditation allows the promotional use of the IACOU seal and reference to accreditation by the IACOU.

Accreditation helps students qualify for tuition reimbursement: Accreditation allows students to qualify for tuition reimbursement under certain state, industry, or union-corporate plans requiring enrollment with an accredited school.

Accreditation enhances student's credit acceptance: Accreditation enhances, but does not guarantee, the acceptance of academic credits of graduates at other educational institutions.

Accreditation accelerates advertising acceptance: Accreditation expedites acceptance of advertising by newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, and other advertising mediums.

Accreditation helps examine staff: Accreditation provides a unique professional development opportunity of the institutions staff members to serve on accrediting examining committees visiting other institutions.

Following are the powers and responsibilities of the Commission:

To establish evaluation criteria: It is the duty of the International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) to establish and promulgate criteria for the evaluation and accreditation of distance education and independent learning organizations.

To assure financial stability: International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) is responsible for providing a schedule of reasonable fees which will assure the financial stability of the Commission.

To receive accreditation applications: International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) receives all applications from institutions desiring accreditation.

To ensure appointment of the best staff: International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) appoints qualified evaluators and provides a comprehensive evaluation procedure.

To review the reports and relevant material: One of the responsibilities of the International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) is to review the Chair's reports and all related material. IACOU will decide whether to accredit or withhold accreditation from applicant institutions after taking the applications in view.

To issue a directory of accredited organizations: International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) issues a directory of accredited organizations (IACOU Directory of Accredited Institutions) and a Web site listing in which institutions will be identified in a manner which indicates their course offerings.

To make information available: One of the obligations of the International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) is to make available the current information covering the criteria for accreditation to the public.

To re-evaluate accredited organization's structure: International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) re-evaluates the accredited organizations' programs, organization, and courses of study at reasonable intervals.

To exercise powers necessary for smooth functionality: International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) exercises all such powers that are necessary to carry out the function of a reputable, nationally recognized accrediting association.