Distinctions Among Accreditation Agencies For Business Programs

Abstract

Over the past twenty years, business accreditation has become a growth industry.  In 1988, some eleven percent of business programs were accredited by an accrediting body devoted solely to business program accreditation.  Today, over forty-two percent boast of such external validation of their programs.  Although the three principal accrediting agencies all profess to uphold the highest academic standards, marked differences exist.  The ACBSP and IABSP share certain qualities that distinguish them from AACSB.  However, the AACSB brand, long synonymous with the biggest and the best, remains unchallenged.