State responsibility for chartering, incorporating, and authorizing postsecondary institutions to operate has become crucial in recent years. It is acknowledged that states have made major progress in strengthening their authorizing and regulatory functions but continued progress is needed. (Author/LBH)

New pressures on accreditation and the unique factors that are the foundation of its continuing value to postsecondary education are addressed. The expanding variety of institutions to be accredited, government regulation, state authorization, legal sanctions, and self-regulation are also discussed. (Author/LBH)