College in the Schools is accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). 

To become accredited, CIS demonstrated that it met or exceeded standards of excellence applying to curriculum, student support, instructors, student assessment, and program evaluation. Accreditation guarantees that:

  • U of M courses taught through CIS are the same courses that are offered on the University campus. The courses have been approved through normal University processes and carry University degree credit.
  • CIS instructors meet minimum academic and experience requirements, identified by U of M departments. Instructors in the high school are selected, prepared, and continuously supported by U of M faculty on behalf of the department that owns the course.
  • High school students use the same texts and assessments (or U of M faculty-approved alternatives) and are held to the same rigorous standards as students in the course on the U of M campus.

Read the University of Minnesota's Pre-College Programs Annual Report.

Program Evaluation

Surveys of College in the Schools alumni going back as far as 2002 show that:

  • On average, 93% of respondents who sought to have their U of M credits earned through CIS recognized by other colleges or universities were successful. Credit recognition includes credit transfer and/or exemption from required courses and/or advanced placement in a subject.
  • On average, more than 98% of respondents would recommend CIS to high school juniors and seniors.

Most recent survey reports:

Research

Many large and credible studies have shown the benefits of dual credit programs, including concurrent enrollment programs like College in the Schools.