The College of Eastern Idaho’s Early College Program has earned national accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), the only accrediting body in the country for programs that allow high school students to earn college credit while still in secondary school.
Program Growth and Recognition
CEI was among just 10 institutions nationwide to receive initial NACEP accreditation during the most recent review cycle. The designation is valid for five years and follows a thorough self-study and peer-review process. NACEP reviewers specifically noted the strength of CEI’s instructional support and student advising operations.
The Early College Program has expanded rapidly, posting roughly 20% annual growth over the past three years — a trend attributed to new school district partnerships and rising demand for dual enrollment opportunities. In the 2025-26 school year alone, approximately 2,800 students participated in the program.
“We are proud to recognize programs that invest in this rigorous process and demonstrate their dedication to high standards in concurrent enrollment,” said Andrea Roma, NACEP’s Director of Accreditation.
What It Means for Idaho Students
Dual enrollment programs give high school students a path to reduce college costs and shorten the time needed to earn a degree — a growing priority for Idaho families navigating rising tuition. CEI’s accreditation signals that its concurrent enrollment courses meet independently verified quality benchmarks, giving students and parents greater confidence in the credits they earn.
As dual enrollment demand grows statewide, Idaho’s education landscape continues to shift. The Idaho Digital Learning Alliance recently faced a significant budget cut from the Legislature, raising questions about how the state prioritizes alternative academic pathways for students.