ACBSP is the premier accrediting association for business schools and programs with a focus on teaching excellence. In contrast to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) which has a focus on research excellence, ACBSP is focused on what occurs in the classroom while encouraging scholarly research. This is apparent in the standards and criteria for accreditation, the membership structure which includes membership by all persons involved in delivery of business education, our conference sessions, and our special initiatives.

In contrast to the International Association for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), ACBSP is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The CHEA-recognized scope of accreditation is: Degree programs in business and business-related fields at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. This permits institutions to be recognized for the accreditation of their business programs in resources such as the Higher Education Directory, the CHEA Web site, and in a host of other publications. ACBSP offers an array of member benefits not available to IACBE members and has a significantly larger membership base and staff size. ACBSP offers a lower dues rate for institutions that are joining and during their time of candidacy for accreditation.

ACBSP is the only accrediting body to offer accreditation to associate degree institutions. The value of membership by community colleges is the opportunity for articulation to be enhanced, the networking which occurs and leads to increased recruiting opportunities for both parties and, the offering of a program that these institutions would otherwise not be able to receive.

ACBSP membership is composed of Educational Institution members and Corporate members. Educational Institution members may be accredited, candidates for accreditation, or members. Many institutions chose to join to receive the benefits of membership and for a variety of reasons are unable to pursue accreditation.