Yes, Chamberlain University (formerly Chamberlain College of Nursing) is accredited at both the institutional and programmatic levels. The school holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its nursing programs carry additional accreditation from two recognized nursing accreditors. For students considering enrollment, this means Chamberlain degrees are widely recognized by employers, state licensing boards, and other universities for transfer or graduate admission.
Institutional Accreditation
Chamberlain University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the regional accreditor covering colleges and universities in the central United States. HLC accreditation is the same type held by large public research universities, community colleges, and well-known private schools throughout the Midwest and beyond. It covers every program the university offers, not just nursing.
Institutional accreditation matters for several practical reasons. Federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and military education benefits, is only available at schools recognized by an accreditor approved by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC meets that standard. Credits earned at an HLC-accredited school are also far more likely to transfer to other accredited institutions if you decide to continue your education elsewhere.
Nursing Program Accreditation Through CCNE
Beyond the university-wide accreditation, Chamberlain’s nursing programs carry specialized accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The programs covered include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and post-graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certificate programs.
CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education specifically for nursing education. Many state boards of nursing and employers look for CCNE accreditation when evaluating whether a nursing degree qualifies a graduate for licensure or hiring. If you plan to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam or pursue advanced practice certification, graduating from a CCNE-accredited program keeps those paths open.
DNP Accreditation Through NLN CNEA
Chamberlain’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program also holds accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), a second nationally recognized nursing accreditor. The NLN CNEA granted continuing accreditation to Chamberlain’s DNP program in February 2024, with a 10-year accreditation period running through October 2033. Having accreditation from both CCNE and NLN CNEA for the DNP is uncommon and reflects dual recognition at the doctoral level.
Why Accreditation Type Matters
Not all accreditation carries the same weight. The key distinction is between accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation) and those that are not. Both HLC and CCNE hold that recognition, which is what makes Chamberlain’s credentials meaningful for financial aid eligibility, credit transfers, and licensure.
Some nursing employers and graduate schools specifically require that applicants hold a degree from a CCNE-accredited or ACEN-accredited program. Before enrolling, it’s worth checking the requirements of any state board or graduate program you’re targeting. In Chamberlain’s case, the CCNE accreditation covering its BSN, MSN, and DNP programs satisfies the standard most boards and employers apply.
What This Means for Licensure
Graduating from an accredited nursing program is one of the prerequisites for taking the NCLEX-RN (for BSN graduates) or applying for advanced practice certification (for MSN and DNP graduates). Chamberlain operates campuses and online programs serving students across multiple states, and state boards of nursing each set their own rules for which programs satisfy their educational requirements. Most state boards accept degrees from CCNE-accredited programs, but requirements can vary, so checking with the specific board in the state where you plan to practice is a straightforward step worth taking before you enroll.
How to Verify Accreditation Yourself
You can confirm Chamberlain’s accreditation status independently through a few free tools. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database of accredited institutions at ope.ed.gov/dapip, where you can search by school name. CCNE publishes a directory of all accredited programs at ccneaccreditation.org. And the HLC lists member institutions on its own site at hlcommission.org. Checking these sources directly gives you the most current information, including any conditions, warnings, or probationary status that might affect the school’s standing.