The Direct and Indirect Benefits and Costs of AACSB Accreditation

摘要

American business schools not accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - AACSB International - will undoubtedly face the decision at some point whether to seek this "gold standard" accreditation. The process is lengthy, with direct and indirect costs that are reviewed in this article along with the advantages of becoming accredited. Direct costs include accreditation fees plus ongoing costs associated with higher-qualified faculty and larger library and technology budgets, to name a few. Indirect costs include the time consumed in preparation, strategic planning, developing the required assurance of learning program, improved data collection, and dealing with potential internal resistance. Since the process could alter a school's overall culture, the decision to see AACSB accreditation is a major one.