What you’ll learn in this article…
- Quinlan holds dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting since 2001.
- Only 6% of business degree institutions worldwide earn AACSB accreditation.
- La Salle's AACSB status strengthens its MBA credibility in Philadelphia.
In July 2026, two business schools earned extended AACSB accreditation, a credential held by only 6% of business-degree-granting institutions worldwide. Loyola Chicago's Quinlan School of Business and La Salle University's School of Business both passed the rigorous reaccreditation review, which evaluates curriculum quality, faculty credentials, student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement processes over a multi-year cycle. For prospective MBA students, this distinction matters: AACSB-accredited programs command higher employer recognition, broader alumni networks, and stronger salary outcomes than non-accredited peers.
Quinlan's reaccreditation extends both its business and accounting credentials, placing it among only 195 institutions worldwide that hold dual accreditation. La Salle renewed its business accreditation, reinforcing its commitment to quality standards since earning initial accreditation in 2002. For candidates weighing program quality, AACSB-accredited MBA programs carry measurable advantages in employer trust and career mobility. Both schools now hold AACSB credentials through 2032, providing prospective students a clear benchmark of program rigor and market credibility in an increasingly competitive MBA landscape.
What Happened: AACSB Extends Accreditation for Loyola Chicago and La Salle
A school earning AACSB accreditation for the first time is noteworthy, but a school earning reaccreditation after decades of continuous review signals something deeper: sustained commitment to quality improvement that has passed repeated external scrutiny. In July 2026, two business schools on opposite ends of the accreditation spectrum received confirmation of that commitment from AACSB International.
Loyola Chicago's Quinlan School of Business
AACSB extended accreditation for Loyola University Chicago's Quinlan School of Business for another six years, covering both its business and accounting programs. That dual distinction places Quinlan among just 195 institutions worldwide that hold AACSB accreditation in both disciplines, a tier that represents a small fraction of the roughly 1,085 AACSB-accredited MBA programs globally. Quinlan's business accreditation dates to 1955 at the undergraduate level and 1980 at the graduate level, while its accounting accreditation has been in place since 2001. The extension reinforces the school's position as a top-tier program in the Chicago market, where U.S. News & World Report has ranked its part-time MBA among the top three in the city.
As reported by Loyola University Chicago,2 Dean Michael Behnam noted that "The Quinlan School of Business is Chicago's business school for leaders who seek to have successful careers grounded by the values of responsible leadership."
La Salle University School of Business
On July 9, 2026, La Salle University announced that its School of Business also received AACSB reaccreditation.1 La Salle's accreditation covers its business programs and does not include a separate accounting accreditation. The school was previously accredited in spring 2020, making this cycle a continuation of its membership in the small group of AACSB-recognized institutions. The reaccreditation affirms that the school's curricula, faculty qualifications, and strategic direction meet the association's rigorous standards.1
Why the 6% Figure Matters
AACSB accredits only about 6% of institutions offering business degrees worldwide.1 That selectivity is not a one-time gate. MBA accreditation types differ in scope and rigor, and AACSB reaccreditation in particular requires schools to demonstrate continuous improvement across areas such as faculty research productivity, student learning outcomes, and alignment with evolving industry needs. For MBA candidates evaluating program quality, a reaccreditation decision carries weight precisely because it confirms a school has not rested on an earlier achievement but has continued to meet or exceed global benchmarks over successive review periods.
What Is AACSB Reaccreditation and Why Does It Matter?
AACSB reaccreditation is the most rigorous quality assurance process in global business education, and earning it signals that a school meets standards only a small fraction of institutions can satisfy. Fewer than 1,000 business schools worldwide hold AACSB accreditation for MBA programs, making it the most selective endorsement available to MBA candidates evaluating program quality.
How the Reaccreditation Process Works
Under the 2020 standards (which took full effect on July 1, 2023),2 AACSB condensed its framework from 15 standards to nine,1 organized around three pillars: Strategic Management and Innovation, Learner Success, and Thought Leadership, Engagement, and Societal Impact. Schools seeking reaccreditation undergo what AACSB calls a Continuous Improvement Review (CIR), managed by the Continuous Improvement Review Committee.3
The process unfolds over several years. Schools submit a CIR application approximately three years before the scheduled peer review visit and deliver a formal CIR report at least 60 days before the visit itself.4 A trained peer review team then evaluates the school on campus, examining the quality of the learning experience and student outcomes.5 Reviewers follow a structured approach: they evaluate evidence, ask questions, confer among themselves, and make recommendations.6 The goal is twofold: confirm that the school remains aligned with AACSB standards and provide constructive guidance for further improvement.
As of July 1, 2026, the accreditation cycle operates on a five-year rolling review period.4 This differs from initial accreditation, which requires a school to build its case from scratch. Reaccreditation instead asks schools to demonstrate continuous progress across three themes: engagement with stakeholders, innovation in teaching and research, and measurable impact on learners and society.
What AACSB Reaccreditation Means for Students
For MBA candidates, a school's reaccreditation status carries direct, practical implications.
- Program rigor: Standards such as Standard 5 (assurance of learning) require schools to prove that students are achieving defined learning goals, not simply completing coursework.2
- Faculty qualifications: Standard 7 (teaching effectiveness) mandates that faculty remain current in their fields and demonstrate pedagogical skill, ensuring classroom instruction reflects real business conditions.2
- Curriculum relevance: The continuous improvement model forces schools to update curricula regularly, incorporating emerging topics and employer feedback rather than relying on outdated course designs.
- Employer trust: Hiring managers and recruiters at top firms recognize AACSB accreditation as a shorthand for quality. Graduates of AACSB-accredited MBA programs often face fewer questions about the legitimacy of their degree, particularly when pursuing roles at multinational companies or applying for positions in competitive markets.
In practical terms, reaccreditation is not a rubber stamp. It is a peer-reviewed, evidence-based confirmation that a business school continues to meet the highest global standard, and that its MBA graduates can expect an education built on accountability and continuous improvement.
Loyola Chicago's Quinlan School of Business: Accreditation History and Profile
Few business schools in the Midwest can match the depth and duration of Quinlan's AACSB accreditation history, a track record that speaks directly to the consistency of its academic standards over decades of shifting market demands.
A Seven-Decade Accreditation Timeline
Quinlan's relationship with AACSB International stretches back to 1955, when it first earned accreditation for its undergraduate business programs. Graduate business accreditation followed in 1980, and the accounting program achieved its own separate AACSB recognition in 2001.1 That makes Quinlan one of only 195 institutions worldwide holding dual accreditation in both business and accounting, a distinction that fewer than 2% of business-degree-granting institutions can claim. The latest six-year extension of both accreditations reaffirms that Quinlan continues to meet the rigorous standards AACSB applies to curriculum, faculty qualifications, and learning outcomes. For a deeper look at what this credential means for candidates, the guide on AACSB accredited MBA programs explains why the designation carries weight with employers.
Rankings and Market Position
Quinlan has built a particularly strong reputation in the Chicago market. Its part-time MBA program is ranked among the top three in the city by U.S. News & World Report, and its undergraduate business program has held the No. 1 position in Chicago for 12 consecutive years.1 Four individual majors are recognized as the best in Chicago and place in the top 25 nationally. Nationally, the part-time MBA is ranked 44th in the 2026 U.S. News rankings.2 Prospective students exploring the broader competitive landscape can compare options through our guide to MBA programs in Chicago.
Program Portfolio
Quinlan offers several MBA formats designed around working professionals. The Next Generation MBA can be completed in 12 to 30 months with in-person instruction supplemented by online and hybrid course options, and it includes concentrations such as supply chain management. The Baumhart Scholars MBA, a 20-month program, focuses on social impact.4 An Executive MBA, also 20 months, targets professionals with at least seven years of work experience.5 Quinlan also runs a 24-month Healthcare Management MBA, reflecting growing demand for leadership at the intersection of business and healthcare.5
Beyond standalone MBAs, Quinlan offers an extensive slate of dual-degree options: MBA/MS combinations in accountancy, business analytics, finance, human resources, marketing, and supply chain management, along with an MBA/JD and an MS/MBA in pharmacology.6 Certificate programs in areas like business data analytics, cybersecurity, and supply chain fundamentals provide additional flexibility for professionals seeking targeted skill development.7
Mission and Leadership Vision
Quinlan's program design reflects its Jesuit heritage, which emphasizes ethical reasoning and service alongside professional competence. Dean Michael Behnam has framed Quinlan as "Chicago's business school for leaders who seek to have successful careers grounded by the values of responsible leadership." For MBA candidates weighing schools with values-driven cultures, that positioning, backed by more than 70 years of continuous AACSB accreditation, carries real weight in both admissions conversations and employer perceptions. Candidates who want to understand how leadership-focused curricula differ across degree types may find the comparison of MBA versus leadership degree options a useful reference.
La Salle University School of Business: Accreditation History and Profile
La Salle University's School of Business achieved AACSB accreditation in 2002,1 joining an elite group of institutions that meet the association's rigorous standards for curriculum quality, faculty credentials, and continuous improvement. Located in Philadelphia, the school serves approximately 1,000 business students1 across undergraduate and graduate programs, positioning itself as a mid-size, mission-driven institution within a competitive regional market that includes Wharton, Temple's Fox School, Villanova, and Drexel's LeBow College.
Program Portfolio and Delivery Formats
The School of Business offers a hybrid Full-Time MBA designed for completion in 15 to 24 months,2 combining online coursework with on-campus immersions to serve working professionals and career changers. Among the best MBA programs in Philadelphia, La Salle stands out for its STEM-certified specializations that extend Optional Practical Training for international graduates, as well as concentrations in Accounting.3 La Salle also operates an accelerated BS/MBA pathway, allowing undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years,4 and maintains a suite of undergraduate business majors across accounting, finance, marketing, management, and MBA in business analytics.
Mission-Driven Education and Career Outcomes
Consistent with La Salle's Lasallian Catholic heritage, the School of Business emphasizes ethical leadership, social responsibility, and service to underserved communities. This values-centered approach differentiates La Salle from larger, research-intensive peers and appeals to candidates seeking smaller class sizes and mentorship-focused advising. The school reports a 95 percent placement rate for MBA graduates, reflecting strong employer connections in the Philadelphia metro area and access to the region's healthcare, financial services, and professional services sectors.
Competitive Positioning in Philadelphia
While La Salle lacks the global brand recognition of Wharton or the scale of Temple's Fox School, its AACSB accreditation, affordable tuition relative to peer institutions, and flexible hybrid format attract mid-career professionals balancing education with work and family obligations. Candidates exploring MBA programs in Pennsylvania will find that La Salle's smaller enrollment allows for individualized career coaching and direct faculty engagement, advantages that resonate with those prioritizing mentorship and community over large alumni networks or rankings placement.
AACSB Business Vs. Accounting Accreditation: Key Differences
AACSB International offers two distinct credentials, and understanding the difference matters when you are evaluating programs for an MBA or a career in accounting.
Two Tiers of AACSB Recognition
The first credential, business accreditation, covers the school's full portfolio of business degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Over 1,000 institutions worldwide hold this designation.1 It evaluates curriculum breadth across disciplines such as management, finance, and marketing, along with faculty qualifications and a school's commitment to continuous improvement.
The second credential, accounting accreditation, is a supplemental, program-level distinction that can only be earned after a school already holds business accreditation.2 Roughly 195 institutions worldwide carry both.3 Loyola Chicago's Quinlan School of Business is among that select group, having maintained its accounting accreditation since 2001. La Salle University's School of Business holds AACSB business accreditation, though it does not appear to carry the separate accounting credential.
What Each Accreditation Evaluates
- Business accreditation: Assesses overall program quality, strategic planning, learning outcomes across core business disciplines, and general faculty standards.
- Accounting accreditation: Adds accounting-specific requirements, including faculty with doctoral credentials and scholarly output in accounting, CPA-preparation rigor, and alignment with professional practice standards.4
Research published in the Journal of Research in Business Education has found that graduates of accounting-accredited programs tend to post higher CPA exam pass rates compared to peers at schools holding only business accreditation, though these findings reflect older data and individual outcomes will vary.5
Which Credential Should You Prioritize?
If your goal is a general MBA focused on strategy, marketing, or finance, business accreditation is the key quality signal employers look for.6 It confirms that the school meets globally recognized standards and that your degree carries weight in the hiring process. For a deeper look at how AACSB-accredited MBA programs compare on outcomes, our full guide breaks down what the credential actually signals to hiring managers.
If you are pursuing a CPA-track career or plan to specialize in accounting, a school that holds both credentials provides an additional layer of assurance. The supplemental accounting accreditation signals that the program's faculty, curriculum, and research infrastructure are specifically calibrated for professional accounting readiness. Candidates considering an MBA in accounting will find the dual credential especially relevant when evaluating programs for CPA-track careers. For those still deciding on a focus area, how to choose an MBA specialization is a practical next step before comparing schools.
How AACSB Reaccreditation Impacts MBA Candidates and Career Outcomes
Business school rankings and employer hiring preferences have coalesced around AACSB accreditation as a non-negotiable threshold for program quality. For MBA candidates evaluating Loyola Chicago's Quinlan School and La Salle University, the extended AACSB accreditation directly influences career outcomes, salary trajectories, and access to competitive roles.
Employer Recognition and Hiring Preferences
Recruiting teams prioritize AACSB-accredited programs when sourcing MBA talent. According to AACSB International's employer surveys, 56 percent of organizations now offer tuition assistance specifically for degrees from AACSB-accredited institutions, up from 53 percent in 2018.1 This selective benefit signals that employers view AACSB accreditation as a proxy for curriculum rigor and student preparation. Among Fortune 100 CEOs, 73 percent hold business degrees from AACSB-accredited schools, and that proportion rises to 75 percent among the highest-paid executives in the S&P 500.2 These benchmarks underscore that accreditation matters at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Salary and Career Advancement Outcomes
Graduates of AACSB-accredited MBA programs report measurably stronger earnings and career mobility. In 2022 data compiled by AACSB, 83 percent of alumni from accredited programs reported increased earning power post-degree, and 72 percent cited enhanced career advancement opportunities.2 Employment rates remain exceptionally high, with 96 percent of alumni employed and three-month placement rates ranging from 85 to 95 percent.3 Additionally, 87 percent of graduates indicated that the skills gained during their MBA advanced their careers, a reflection of the outcome-focused standards AACSB imposes on curriculum design and faculty qualifications.2
Credit Transfer and Doctoral Pathways
AACSB accreditation facilitates credit portability between accredited institutions, a critical advantage for students who relocate or pursue additional credentials. The part-time to full-time MBA transition process, for instance, relies heavily on credit recognition between accredited schools. Doctoral programs in business and management typically require applicants to hold degrees from AACSB-accredited schools, making reaccreditation at Loyola Chicago and La Salle a gateway for candidates interested in academic or research careers.
Rankings Eligibility and Media Visibility
Major business school ranking systems from U.S. News & World Report, Bloomberg Businessweek, and the Financial Times require AACSB accreditation for eligibility. Programs that lose or never earn accreditation are excluded from these influential lists, limiting their visibility to prospective students and employers. Quinlan's top-three part-time MBA ranking in Chicago and La Salle's presence in national conversations both depend on continuous AACSB compliance, reinforcing the strategic value of reaccreditation for long-term program competitiveness. Candidates weighing MBA career paths and salary outcomes will find that graduating from a continuously accredited program remains one of the strongest signals of program quality to prospective employers.
Loyola Chicago Vs. La Salle: Side-By-Side Accreditation Comparison
Both Loyola Chicago's Quinlan School of Business and La Salle University's School of Business hold AACSB accreditation, but they differ in scope, history, and regional focus. Quinlan's dual accreditation in both business and accounting places it among only 195 institutions worldwide with that distinction, while La Salle brings a Lasallian educational tradition to the Philadelphia market. Here is how the two programs compare across key dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions About AACSB Reaccreditation
AACSB accreditation and reaccreditation are among the most common topics prospective MBA students research when evaluating business schools. Below are direct answers to the questions we hear most often, grounded in the latest accreditation developments at Loyola Chicago and La Salle University.
