Accredited colleges must hire faculty who are competent and qualified in their area of instruction. As an example, the regional accrediting organization Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) requires faculty to be qualified to achieve the educational objectives of the program or institution and to establish or maintain the academic policies of the institution. NWCCU reviews faculty every five years to ensure the teaching is effective and to address any concerns.
Accredited colleges must have a curriculum that is documented, current and understood by educators. As an example, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a programmatic-accrediting organization, requires colleges with accredited business programs to provide skills and knowledge of multicultural diversity, information technology, communication abilities and financial theories and analysis.
Accredited colleges are required to provide student services that enhance and contribute to a student's learning experience. As an example, Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accrediting agency, requires schools to provide academic guidance through counselors or administrators, hold orientation for new students and their families to introduce them to the institution, and address the emotional and mental needs of their students.
A college or program must maintain its accreditation so students can continue to receive federal grants, loans or other funds. According to the Council of Higher Education, the federal government awarded $86 billion in student grants and loans in 2006-07.