What is the difference between ACBSP vs AACSB? If you’re looking at MBA programs or other types of business degrees, it’s essential to consider whether the program is accredited.
Furthermore, if you want a valuable degree to help you meet your goals, you should understand the different types of accreditation, especially ACBSP vs AACSB.
Key Differences between the ACBSP vs AACSB
In general terms, official accreditation assures that an educational program meets specific standards, from curriculum content to teaching quality.
Just as institutions as a whole can be accredited by third parties, schools within the university or even specific programs may have their own accreditation.
The most recognized accreditations for business schools in the United States are the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Both accreditations have rigorous criteria, are backed by the Department of Education, and have many accreditations of undergraduate and graduate programs in dozens of countries worldwide.
The AACSB has a long history dating back to 1916 when it initially provided quality assurance services under the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business.
Many Ivy League business programs are AACSB-accredited, arguably the best-regarded certification for business schools worldwide.
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In contrast, the ACBSP was founded in 1988 to respond to the changing landscape of the business education sector.
One crucial difference between the AACSB and ACBSP is the types of schools they generally accredit.
AACSB-accredited schools are often research-focused and include some of the most prestigious institutions in the US, such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Berkeley.
Schools receiving an ACBSP accreditation tend to emphasize teaching and applied knowledge more and encompass community colleges and other two-year institutions.
Another critical distinction between an ACBSP vs AACSB accreditation is that the former accredits institutions, businesses, and accounting programs at various levels, while the latter only accredits business programs.
Although both accreditations have rigorous vetting processes, the AACSB has several specific constraints. Notably, schools must demonstrate:
- High-quality faculty
- Business-focused standards
- Strong career opportunities for graduates
- Excellent peer reviews
ACBSP vs AACSB Accreditation
| AACSB | ACBSP | |
| Year Founded | 1916 | 1988 |
| Types of Accreditations | Institutions and programs | Programs only |
| Programs Accredited | Business and accounting degree programs (Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate programs) | Business programs (Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate programs) |
| Number of Accreditations | 950 | 1200 |
| International Accreditations | 60 countries | 60 countries |
| Evaluation Criteria | 15 standards across four categories, including:
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| Accreditation Costs for Institutions |
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| Accredited Institutions Include |
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Advantages of AACSB vs ACBSP
Though both types of business program accreditation are equally valid, each has its unique accreditation process and distinct benefits.
Pros of AACSB Accreditation
AACSB International encourages schools to focus on research that helps people and society. This encourages schools to excel in this area while contributing to the community and means students are exposed to research grounded in practical applications.
Furthermore, degree programs carrying an AACSB are very well regarded within the business and academic sectors.
Deans and chairs of business schools report that AACSB certification makes it easier to recruit high-quality faculty members. Not only is this an advantage for business schools, but students at these schools are more likely to receive the benefits of better teaching.
Benefits of ACBSP Accreditation
One key strength of the ACBSP is its emphasis on high educational standards. It helps business schools develop academic structures focusing on excellent teaching rather than research.
This assessment is valuable for prospective students considering regional and public universities and smaller business schools.
Another significant benefit of the ACBSP for institutions is its more affordable fees, which make it more accessible to smaller schools with lower operating budgets. This allows students to find high-quality programs with more accessible tuition than Ivy League colleges.
AACSB vs ACBSP Accreditation: Which is the Best Business School Accreditation?
It is fair to say that schools boasting an AACSB accreditation are generally the most prestigious and have the best faculty and the most robust curriculum.
The AACSB has strict criteria: Just five percent of all schools worldwide that offer business programs have this accreditation. Therefore, if a school does have this exclusive certification, you can be confident that it meets its tough requirements.
However, this doesn’t mean ACBSP-accredited schools are sub-par; this is also a well-regarded higher education accreditation.
Like the AACSB, the ACBSP has strict criteria: Schools must pass rigorous tests to gain their initial certification and a full review after two years to keep their accreditation, making it a valuable accreditation.
It comes down to how you want to use your business degree: Are practical applications more important, or is research a part of your career goals?
Do you want to attend a prestigious business school, or do you prefer a regional school close by, like an affordable public university or community college?
It’s hard to know whether employers pay much attention to business school certifications during recruitment.
Indeed, many employers consider the business school’s reputation, and certification may play a role. Although there’s not a lot of recent data on the issue, a 2011 study found that employers were more likely to hire graduates with an online accounting degree if the program was AACSB-accredited.
There is also some anecdotal evidence that employers value AACSB-accredited programs more highly when supporting their existing employees through further study.
Some employees find that companies are more likely to cover costs for programs with this certification and may even require the accreditation to reimburse tuition.
Conclusion
The central differences between the ACBSP vs AACSB are that the AACSB has a long tradition of working with prestigious schools and is more focused on research, while the newer and more affordable ACBSP accreditation places a higher emphasis on teaching excellence and practical applications.
If you’re looking for a prestigious degree with a strong research component, you may be best to look for programs with an AACSB accreditation.
On the other hand, if you’re more interested in the quality of teaching and affordable tuition, you could look for those endorsed by the ACBSP.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IACBE?
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) is entirely separate from other accrediting bodies and offers business program accreditation.
Established in 1997, the organization emphasizes a student-centered approach and better outcomes. It seeks to offer IACBE accreditation to excellent schools that may not meet the requirements of the AACSB or ACBSP.
The organization primarily works with small schools, private liberal arts colleges, and some mid-sized colleges. Its goal is to ensure that all schools, not only those with high tuition fees, have access to quality accreditation.
Is Harvard Accredited by AACSB?
Yes, Harvard University has AACSB accreditation. This is also true for many US Ivy League institutions and many of the world’s best business schools.
These schools have several things in common: AACSB accreditation, strong reputations, renowned faculty, and highly selective admissions processes.
Is a Non-AACSB MBA Worth it?
There’s no denying that many schools, students, and employers consider the AACSB the best accreditation for business schools. However, the ACBSP is also a highly valuable accreditation that can benefit students looking to study at more affordable public, regional, and community colleges.
Although some employers may look for graduates with an MBA degree from an AACSB-accredited program, many also respect the ACBSP stamp of approval.
Is One Type of Accreditation More Valid than the Other?
There are a range of different accreditations for business degree programs.
The AACSB is widely seen as the gold standard of business program accreditations, and a degree with this certification can be more impressive to recruiters and potential employers. However, the ACBSP is a highly valuable and well-recognized accreditation, just as valid as the AACSB.
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Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.
