Accreditations
Institutional Accreditation
Mercer University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Mercer University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Mercer University may be directed in writing to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
Mercer's accreditation was most recently reaffirmed in December 2015. The next reaffirmation visit will occur in 2026.
Information on the SACSCOC policy and procedures for submitting complaints can be found in the Complaints Against SACSCOC or Its Accredited Institutions document.
State Authorization in Georgia
As a nonpublic, nonprofit, degree-granting institution chartered prior to 1955 and accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, Mercer University is exempt from the requirement to seek authorization to operate or conduct postsecondary education activities in the State of Georgia. Notwithstanding this exemption, Mercer is required to provide audited financial statements to the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) on an annual basis, in order to demonstrate that the institution continues to meet statutory standards of financial soundness and capability of fulfilling commitments to students. Each year, following a review of these annual financial statements, the GNPEC confirms in writing the University’s continuing exemption from the requirement to seek State authorization. Information on the student complaint process is available on the GNPEC website.
Through the GNPEC, Mercer University is also a participant in NC-SARA (National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) and approved to offer distance education programs in other NC-SARA member states. For additional information on NC-SARA, including complaint processes, see Mercer's Distance Learning website.
Programmatic Accreditations and State Approvals
Many of Mercer's academic and co-curricular programs are accredited by specialized program accreditors or approved by state agencies. Find out more >>
Requesting Documentation of Accreditation or Approval
Copies of documentation describing Mercer University's accreditation and its State approval are available to enrolled or prospective students upon request by contacting Kevin Gwaltney, Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness at gwaltney_kp@mercer.edu or (478) 301-2070.
Policy on Accreditation Reports
All accreditation reports must be submitted for review to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and approved by the provost prior to submission to the accrediting agency.
All communications to and from an agency that accredits Mercer University or its programs must be submitted to the provost and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
