Accreditation Standards
Developing and maintaining rigorous criteria for journalism and mass communication programs to ensure educational excellence
Sets accreditation standards for journalism and mass communication education programs nationwide
About Organization
The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication establishes and maintains excellence standards for professional journalism education programs across the United States. Based in Meridian, ID, the organization operates with 2 employees and 23 volunteers, generating $307,826 in annual revenue. Founded in 1945, it serves as the primary accrediting body for journalism schools.
Accreditation Standards
Developing and maintaining rigorous criteria for journalism and mass communication programs to ensure educational excellence
Quality Assurance
Evaluating programs through comprehensive reviews to verify they meet professional education standards and prepare students effectively
Professional Education
Supporting institutions in strengthening their journalism curricula through guidance, resources, and best practice sharing
Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.
Revenue (2023)
$308K
+0.1% vs 2022
Expenses (2023)
$369K
-9.6% vs 2022
Assets (2023)
$325K
-15.8% vs 2022
Employees (2023)
2
-33.3% vs 2022
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $307,826 | $368,725 | $324,605 | 2 |
| 2022 | $307,475 | $408,029 | $385,359 | 3 |
| 2021 | $303,000 | $291,578 | $552,202 | 3 |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — |
| 2020 | $294,058 | $249,960 | $540,780 | 3 |
| 2019 | $302,640 | $261,109 | $496,682 | 3 |
| 2018 | $313,031 | $303,353 | $455,151 | 3 |
| 2017 | $310,940 | $339,271 | $445,473 | 3 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.
Establish and refine accreditation criteria for journalism and mass communication education programs
Evaluate institutions' self-study reports and supporting documentation for accreditation candidacy
Conduct on-campus visits with volunteer evaluators to assess program quality and compliance
Council reviews findings and grants or denies accreditation status to programs
Services and programs offered by Accrediting Council On Education In Journalism
Creates and updates comprehensive standards for journalism and mass communication programs to ensure educational excellence
Reviews and assesses journalism schools against established criteria through site visits and documentation review
Provides guidance and resources to institutions seeking to improve their journalism education programs
Meet the people behind Accrediting Council On Education In Journalism.
1945
1945
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism established to ensure journalism education quality
1982
1982
Received tax-exempt status recognition from the Internal Revenue Service
2018
2018
Achieved highest revenue of $313,031 reflecting expanded accreditation activities
Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990
Total Reported (2021)
$125K
Highest Paid
$125K
Patricia Thompson
Compensated Officers
1
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patricia Thompson | Executive Director | $125,000 | — | $125,000 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patricia Thompson | Executive Direc | $125,000 | — | $125,000 | 40 |
| Name | Title | Base | Other | Total | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patricia Thompson | Executive Direc | $125,000 | — | $125,000 | 40 |
Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.