IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho's Early College Program has earned accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), the nation's only accrediting organization dedicated specifically to concurrent/dual enrollment programs.

The accreditation recognizes CEI's commitment to providing high-quality college coursework to high school students and confirms that the college's Early College Program meets nationally recognized standards for faculty qualifications, curriculum, student support, assessment, and program oversight.

CEI was one of only ten institutions nationwide to receive initial accreditation during NACEP's 2025-26 accreditation cycle. The designation places CEI among 136 accredited concurrent/dual enrollment programs across 27 states.

"We are incredibly proud that CEI's Early College Program has earned NACEP accreditation for our dual credit program," said Mary Stephenson, Associate Vice President for K-14 and Rural Initiatives. "This recognition reflects the hard work of our dedicated staff, dual credit instructors, faculty liaisons, and high school partners in providing high-quality dual credit opportunities to students across Idaho. It affirms our commitment to expanding access, maintaining academic excellence, and creating meaningful early college opportunities for students."

Concurrent/Dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits while completing their high school education, helping them save time and money while building confidence for future academic success. CEI's Early College Program serves students throughout Eastern Idaho by partnering with local school districts to offer college-level coursework in high school settings.

To earn accreditation, CEI completed a comprehensive self-study and peer-review process demonstrating compliance with NACEP's sixteen national standards. The review examined multiple aspects of the program, including partnerships with high schools, faculty support and professional development, curriculum alignment, student advising, and program assessment.

The NACEP peer review team commended CEI's strong alignment with the institution's mission, support provided by faculty liaisons, annual classroom visits, and student advising practices. Reviewers also noted the college's commitment to quality as the program continues to grow.

"Accreditation reflects an institution's commitment to excellence and accountability in serving students and communities," said Andrea Roma, NACEP Director of Accreditation. "We are proud to recognize programs that invest in this rigorous process and demonstrate their dedication to high standards in concurrent enrollment."

NACEP accreditation is awarded following an extensive review by national peers and is recognized as the highest standard of excellence for concurrent enrollment programs. CEI's accreditation is valid for five years, with annual reporting requirements to ensure continued adherence to national standards.

For students and families, accreditation provides confidence that college credits earned through CEI's Early College Program are backed by a nationally recognized quality assurance process and are delivered with the same academic expectations as courses taught on a college campus.

For more information about CEI's Early College Program, visit cei.edu/early-college.

###

About the College of Eastern Idaho
College of Eastern Idaho offers associate degrees, select bachelor’s degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training programs to help students achieve their educational and career goals. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and student success, CEI is dedicated to providing high-quality education and training to the residents of eastern Idaho—redefining what comes next. Visit cei.edu for more information.