WEST WINDSOR, NJ – The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) has voted to reaffirm the accreditation of Mercer County Community College (MCCC) through 2030, the conclusion of an extensive process involving self-study, assessment, and a site visit by the Middle States team.

The vote was taken by MSCHE on Nov. 16.

“This positive outcome, following a thorough review and examination by Middle States, is a testament to the high-quality educational experience offered at Mercer County Community College,” said MCCC President Dr. Deborah E. Preston. “This reaffirms MCCC’s commitment to the community and our students to provide a high-quality education as we continuously evaluate, improve and innovate.”

The reaffirmation of accreditation came without any warnings or areas of concern, which speaks well for MCCC’s overall management and program quality, said Mercer County Executive-Elect Daniel Benson.

“I am thrilled to extend heartfelt congratulations to Mercer County Community College on the commendable achievement of having their accreditation reaffirmed through 2030 by the Middle States commissioners,” Benson said. “The absence of any warnings is a testament to the college’s commitment to excellence in education, and this recognition underscores the important role the college plays in our community. This is indeed a proud moment for all of Mercer County.”

MSCHE is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that serves as an independent voice in higher education. Accreditation is a means of showing that MCCC's programs, policies and priorities are aligned with the institution’s mission and goals. Affirmation ensures access to federal or state funds for research, programs or facilities, and government sources of financial support for students, such as the Title IV Federal Pell Grant, as well as state funds that are dedicated only to accredited institutions. Dr. Liz Anderson, Accreditation Liaison Officer and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness at MCCC, noted that this is an important process and serves as confirmation of Mercer’s commitment to providing a high-quality educational experience.

“Having received the status of reaccreditation, Mercer County Community College has met the highest standards set forth by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,” Anderson said. “While this re-accreditation process is on an eight-year cycle, MCCC conducts a continuous self-review of every aspect of the College as it relates to our students. Our ultimate goal is to ensure continuous improvement in all areas.”

Middle States accredits institutions in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several locations abroad.

The process for reaffirmation of accreditation began months ago, involving numerous faculty and staff across MCCC’s West Windsor Campus and the James Kerney Campus in Trenton, according to Dr. Robert Schreyer, MCCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs. The thorough self-study and examination, he said, is not only a critical part of the Middle States process, but also serves to bolster the quality educational offerings at Mercer.

“It is a rigorous process that reaffirms the college’s commitment to self examination and improvement against measured goals, which is an important exercise as we continuously improve the quality and value of a Mercer education,” Schreyer said. “We remain committed to helping our students attain their educational and personal goals, and the positive conclusion of the Middle States assessment is an indication we are succeeding.”

Mercer County Community College has been accredited since 1967. The next self-study evaluation will take place in eight years.

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About Mercer County Community College
Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. President: Deborah E. Preston, Ph.D.; www.mccc.edu


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With campuses in West Windsor and Trenton, N.J., Mercer County Community College has received reaffirmation of accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education through 2030.