Coppin State University Earns Reaffirmation of Accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Commission’s decision, with no follow-up reporting requirements, affirms Coppin’s academic quality, institutional strength and commitment to student success
BALTIMORE — Coppin State University has earned reaffirmation of accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), affirming the university’s academic quality, institutional strength and commitment to student success.
The Commission reaffirmed Coppin State’s accreditation on June 25, 2026, with no follow-up reporting requirements. The university’s next self-study evaluation is scheduled for the 2033–2034 academic year.
This milestone underscores Coppin’s growing momentum, its role as an anchor institution in Baltimore and its commitment to providing an accessible, affordable and high-quality education.
“This achievement belongs to every member of the Coppin family,” said Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D., president of Coppin State University. “We are One Coppin. Every voice mattered in this process, and every contribution made a difference, from our faculty and staff to our students, alumni and community partners.”
“Reaffirmation is not simply a procedural milestone,” Jenkins continued. “It is a rigorous, evidence-based affirmation of our academic quality, responsible stewardship and commitment to student success. It confirms that Coppin is delivering on its promise to provide access, opportunity and pathways to upward mobility for Baltimore, Maryland and the nation.”
About the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The Commission evaluates colleges and universities based on rigorous standards related to mission, ethics and integrity, student learning, academic programs, governance, institutional effectiveness, financial resources and planning.
Coppin State has been accredited by MSCHE since 1962.
Why Accreditation Matters
Institutional accreditation provides assurance to students, families and the public that Coppin State meets recognized standards of educational quality and operates with integrity. It also demonstrates the university’s commitment to continuous improvement and enables eligible students to receive federal financial aid. Accreditation supports the recognition of Coppin credentials by employers, graduate schools, licensing bodies and other institutions.
The reaffirmation followed a multiyear institutional self-study, a comprehensive review of evidence, and an on-site evaluation conducted March 22–25, 2026, by a team of peer evaluators from institutions across the Middle States region.
The review examined academic programs, student support services, governance, strategic planning, financial stewardship, assessment practices and institutional integrity under MSCHE’s seven Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation.
“The self-study required us to examine every area of the university with honesty, discipline and a shared commitment to improvement,” said Chanta M. Haywood, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “What emerged was a clear picture of a university deeply aligned around academic excellence and student success.”
“Faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni and community partners contributed their expertise and perspectives to this process,” Haywood continued. “The Commission’s decision affirms the strength of that collective work and provides a strong foundation as we advance Courageously Soaring, our strategic plan for 2025–2030.”
Building on Institutional Momentum
The reaffirmation comes during a period of significant growth and transformation at Coppin State.
The university received more than 24,000 undergraduate applications for fall 2026, the highest number in its history, and has continued to strengthen student retention. Coppin is also expanding academic programs, workforce partnerships and student support services to improve outcomes from enrollment through graduation.
Coppin continues to increase access while maintaining its commitment to affordability. Through Summer SOAR, eligible students may earn up to six summer credits at no additional tuition cost. During the 2026–2027 academic year, residential students will benefit from a 12% reduction in board costs, no increase in mandatory fees, and a decrease in the overall cost of attendance.
The university is also preparing to open Thurgood Marshall Hall, its new residence hall, in January 2027. The facility will provide modern residential spaces and new opportunities for students to live, learn, and build community on campus.
These developments advance the priorities outlined in Courageously Soaring. The strategic plan establishes a path for enhancing student success, strengthening academic excellence, improving institutional effectiveness, supporting faculty and staff, and expanding Coppin’s impact throughout Baltimore and beyond.
“Our reaffirmation confirms that Coppin has the institutional strength, leadership and capacity necessary to pursue an ambitious future,” Jenkins said. “We will build on this achievement by continuing to invest in our students, support our faculty and staff, steward our resources responsibly and create opportunities that transform lives and communities.”
Accreditation is an ongoing commitment. As an accredited member of MSCHE, Coppin State will continue participating in regular reviews to demonstrate compliance with Commission standards and advance institutional improvement.
For more information about Coppin State University’s accreditation, visit coppin.edu.
