The College of Eastern Idaho’s Early College Program has earned national accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships, the only accrediting body in the country dedicated specifically to programs that allow high school students to earn college credit.
CEI was among 10 institutions nationwide to receive initial NACEP accreditation in the current timeframe, completing a comprehensive self-study and peer-review process to demonstrate compliance with all national standards. Reviewers specifically noted the program’s strong instructional support and student advising operations.
“We are proud to recognize programs that invest in this rigorous process and demonstrate their dedication to high standards in concurrent enrollment,” said Andrea Roma, NACEP Director of Accreditation.
The program served roughly 2,800 students during the 2025-26 school year, a figure that reflects steady momentum. Enrollment has grown approximately 20% annually over the past three years, driven by new school district partnerships and rising demand for dual enrollment courses across eastern Idaho. The accreditation remains valid for five years.
CEI works directly with local school districts to ensure the program aligns with nationally recognized academic benchmarks — a structure that NACEP’s review team viewed favorably during its evaluation.
The recognition comes as Idaho continues to grapple with broader questions about K-12 and higher education funding. As Idaho’s education scores lag national averages in key measures, programs that give high school students early access to college coursework are increasingly seen as a practical pathway to improving academic outcomes statewide.
What Comes Next
With accreditation secured for the next five years, CEI’s Early College Program is positioned to continue expanding its school district partnerships. If recent growth trends hold, the program could serve significantly more students before the accreditation period expires, reinforcing concurrent enrollment as a key component of Idaho’s broader educational landscape.