USC joining 5 state systems in forming new accreditor

The USC system is joining public higher education systems in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas to help launch a new national accreditation agency focused specifically on public colleges and universities.

The Commission for Public Higher Education (CPHE) will be open to all public institutions in South Carolina and across the United States. Its creation was made possible by an executive order from the Trump Administration that encouraged greater competition in the accreditation space by allowing alternative accreditors to emerge.

The new agency aims to reduce bureaucracy, lower compliance costs and save time for member institutions, while ensuring they continue to meet high standards for academic excellence and student outcomes. CPHE’s model will emphasize results-driven metrics, operational efficiency, and a transparent, adaptable approach to quality assurance across public higher education.

USC Board Chairman Thad Westbrook emphasized the agency’s mission during its announcement, stating, “It is not our mission to be involved in culture wars or political activity; it is our mission to focus on our students and student outcomes.”