The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has granted Case Western Reserve University continued authorization to operate and offer its academic programs through Dec. 31, 2035.
A Certificate of Authorization is the state’s formal approval allowing private universities to operate in Ohio and award academic degrees. The renewal confirms that CWRU continues to meet the state’s standards for academic quality, governance and institutional operations. This review occurs once every 10 years.
The review process included record examinations of academic programs (degrees, majors, certificates) developed and implemented at CWRU over the prior 10-year period, as well as those sunsetted since the last reauthorization review in 2015. In addition, the ODHE evaluated CWRU relationships with its institutional and programmatic accrediting agencies.
The achievement follows another important milestone for the university. In July 2025, Case Western Reserve earned reaffirmation of its institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission after an extensive evaluation process. The university has been continuously accredited by the commission since 1913. The most recent review included a detailed assurance argument, hundreds of supporting documents, and a campus visit by a team of peer reviewers who met with faculty, staff and students.
The approval by the Ohio Department of Higher Education aligns with the university’s reaffirmation review with the Higher Learning Commission.
“These approvals recognize the strength of our academic programs and the excellence of our people,” said Don Feke, senior vice provost for academic and faculty affairs. “They affirm that Case Western Reserve University remains a place where scholarship, innovation, and student success thrive.”
Together, the accreditation reaffirmation and the state’s continued authorization enable Case Western Reserve University to continue offering its full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees through the next decade. The next comprehensive review will take place in 2034–35.
