AACSB and Business School Accreditation

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Students planning to earn a business administration degree would be wise to consider business school accreditation when reviewing prospective colleges and universities. While you’ll probably choose the best  business school for you based on a variety of reasons, AACSB accreditation is a top factor to keep in mind as you begin your search. Read on to learn more about what it means to be accredited, what is the AACSB, and why this is so important for business schools.

What is the AACSB?

AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, an organization that grants accreditation to top business schools. Since 1919, AACSB accreditation has helped students to identify high-quality business schools based on curriculum, faculty, mission, operations, and other key criteria.[i] Accreditation is prestigious, and AACSB accredited schools make up less than 5% of business programs in the world.[ii]

AACSB Accredited Schools Online

Accreditation indicates that a college or university upholds high quality standards as established by an accrediting agency, such as AACSB. Accredited business schools must meet criteria in areas such as curriculum, faculty, diversity, and professional opportunities. In order to attain AACSB accreditation, for example, business schools must work with AACSB to meet accreditation standards and pass committee approval. Schools are then regularly revisited to ensure that quality is maintained.

Is AACSB Accreditation Important?

Business school accreditation is a good indicator that your prospective school may be equipped to help you prepare to pursue a rewarding future. AACSB accredited schools tend to have challenging and highly relevant programs, expert faculty members, and students who work towards success both academically and professionally. Accredited schools are often able to provide the best resources for students seeking career opportunities. Should you need to transfer schools, accredited courses and degrees may be more likely to be accepted. Not only that, employers may prefer to hire graduates from accredited schools.

Are there other accreditation agencies for business schools?

ACBSP, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs, is another organization that awards business school accreditation. Unlike AACSB, ACBSP accredits business programs - not the institution offering the program.[iii]

How can I find AACSB Business Schools?

This information can almost always be found on your prospective business school’s website. An admissions officer or representative from the school should also be able to confirm accreditation. Finally, you can contact the accrediting agency or visit its website to learn more. 


[i] aacsb.edu/accreditation/aacsb.asp  [ii] aacsb.edu/aacsb-accredited/students/why-should-aacsb-accreditation-matter-to-me.html  [iii] acbsp.org/page/students_value