Sampoerna University is Indonesia’s first and only university to achieve Candidacy Status for U.S. Accreditation

In October 2023, Sampoerna University made history as the first Indonesian university to be granted the prestigious Candidate for Accreditation status by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This remarkable achievement marked a significant milestone in the university’s journey toward global recognition and excellence in higher education.

Sampoerna University’s path to NECHE accreditation aligns with its mission to provide U.S. standard education to Indonesian youth.  In order to achieve this, it has adopted U.S. curriculum, built exceptional lab facilities, and hired faculty and staff who meet U.S. standards for accreditation.  It has also required SU to implement a strong and holistic student support framework, unique in Indonesia, that prioritizes student achievement and success.  Most important, it requires SU to focus on institutional outcomes such as graduation rates and post-graduate employment.  In all of these areas, SU is benchmarked against institutions accredited by NECHE to determine its Candidacy.  During the rigorous process to achieve U.S. accreditation, Sampoerna University hosted the President of NECHE, Dr. Lawrence Schall, in May 2022.  During this visit, Mr. Schall engaged with the university’s administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners, getting a firsthand look at SU’s state-of-the-art classrooms and extensive lab spaces,

Sampoerna University’s Candidacy for Accreditation followed a site visit by a group of distinguished higher education professionals from the United States in May of 2023.  The visiting team, led by Dr. Stacy Snow of Boston, Massachusetts, evaluated the university on nine comprehensive standards ranging from Governance and Administration, to the rigors of the Academic Program, to Educational Effectiveness.  The site visit was followed by a hearing involving Sampoerna University President, Dr. Marshall Schott, and the Commission in Boston.  Following the hearing, SU received the good news that its application for Candidacy had been granted.

Sampoerna University was similarly the first and only university in Indonesia to be recognized by a U.S. accreditor when it applied for and was granted Eligibility Status in November of 2021.  At that time, NECHE determined that SU had enough qualities comparable to U.S. institutions to proceed in its accreditation journey.

What is NECHE Accreditation?

Founded in 1885, the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is the oldest of America’s six regional accrediting bodies.  Only institutions accredited by one of the six are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.  NECHE accreditation represents the “gold standard” for university accreditation as it includes member schools such as Harvard University, Yale University, Brown University, M.I.T. and others across New England.

NECHE plays a crucial role in monitoring and supporting over 200 post-secondary institutions worldwide, marking its global reach and influence. With a commitment to ensuring that educational institutions meet the highest standards, NECHE offers guidance and accreditation to institutions in various countries, contributing to the enhancement of educational quality on a global scale.

NECHE’s influence extends beyond U.S. borders, as its accredited degrees are recognized worldwide.. This recognition is a testament to the high standards maintained by NECHE, making its accredited degrees a benchmark of academic quality and excellence. Consequently, major employers globally recognize the achievements of individuals with degrees from NECHE-accredited institutions as they know they have completed a holistic and rigorous  American higher education.

As Sampoerna University progresses on its path toward achieving full NECHE accreditation, we do so with a deep sense of pride and responsibility, recognizing that we are part of a select group of institutions dedicated to upholding the most rigorous and internationally recognized standards in higher education. We hold an unwavering commitment to delivering the best American-style education in Indonesia. This pursuit reflects a commitment to ensuring that the quality and excellence of education provided by the university not only meets but exceeds the stringent benchmarks set by NECHE, positioning Sampoerna University as an institution that prioritizes academic excellence, innovation, and global recognition in our continuous efforts to contribute to the advancement of Indonesia