The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)—formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.—has expanded LAU’s institutional accreditation to include 10 academic programs offered on the New York campus, a significant milestone that further cements the university’s reputation as a leading global institution. 

“This achievement marks yet another step in our strategic priorities to enhance LAU’s scholarly footprint by providing a multitude of opportunities that cater to the needs and aspirations of students in New York and globally,” said LAU President Chaouki T. Abdallah.

NECHE is the regional accrediting association in the US, developing and regularly reviewing standards for educational institutions of all levels. Recognized by the US Department of Education, NECHE accredits colleges and universities in the six-state New England region as well as institutions overseas.

“By expanding the range of accredited academic offerings, LAU reaffirms its commitment to innovation, excellence, and global engagement. NECHE’s recent decision strengthens our long-standing partnership and shared vision to advance world-class education in Lebanon and beyond,” said Provost George E. Nasr.

The institutional accreditation by NECHE now encompasses the in-person BS in International Business Administration, and nine online graduate programs: The MBA in Business Analytics, MBA in Global Business Administration, MBA in Healthcare Management, MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence, MS in Computer Science, MS in Cybersecurity, MS in Data Science, MS in International Construction Management, and MS in Engineering Management. 

“This approval marks a major milestone in LAU’s journey toward becoming a truly global university,” said Dr. Rula Diab, assistant provost for Accreditation and Academic Operations.

“It reflects NECHE’s continued confidence in LAU’s academic quality and strategic vision, as well as our collective commitment to ensuring that every new program, whether offered in New York, Lebanon, online, or across our growing global network, meets the same rigorous standards of excellence, academic rigor, and student-centered learning,” she added. 

In 2024, LAU converted its New York Headquarters into a branch campus, becoming the first and only MENA-based university to have a campus in New York. In 2025, LAU developed a distinctive branding to adapt the identity of LAU to the international and diaspora communities, and its launch is in progress.

“The NECHE approval is a defining milestone for LAU New York and one of the final pieces of the puzzle that enables us to officially launch the campus,” said Dr. Barbar Akle, executive director of LAU New York and associate provost for International Education and Programs.

“It affirms our commitment to the highest standards of US higher education while allowing us to offer transformative programs in the heart of Manhattan. More than a campus, LAU New York is a bridge connecting Lebanon’s academic excellence with the opportunities and innovation of one of the world’s greatest cities,” he added.