The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) announced on December 10 that accreditation for Chowan University is reaffirmed for an additional ten years following a comprehensive review of Chowan's academic and administrative programs. Reaffirmation signifies that Chowan programs meet high standards as the result of a rigorous internal and external review process that evaluates compliance against a common set of standards.

Chowan submitted documentation supporting compliance with these standards in September 2018, beginning a multi-stage review process. The process included a thorough internal review, an external team review, and an on-campus review by a group of evaluators from other SACSCOC institutions. The compliance certification process was coordinated by John Dilustro, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, and Christina Rupsch, Dean of the School of Fine and Applied Arts.

The accreditation reaffirmation process also requires the university to submit a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that makes a positive impact on student learning. Chowan's QEP – "Lit Sphere: Creating a Culture of Reading" – focuses on increasing students' pleasure and enjoyment in reading. Faculty and staff collaborated under the leadership of Keith Reich, Chair of the Department of Religion, and Cynthia Nicholson, former Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, to develop the QEP. 

"Reaffirmation is the culmination of a process that involved faculty, staff, students, and administrators from every academic program and administrative office. It is evidence of our commitment to integrity and to provide effective academic programs and service. I am deeply grateful for the diligent and dedicated work that resulted in this action," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Danny Moore.

The next reaffirmation of accreditation will take place in December 2029. SACSCOC also requires than an interim report be submitted in March 2024. This report will include an abbreviated compliance certification and an update on the QEP.
As the major accrediting body for public and private institutions in higher education in the eleven southernmost states, SACSCOC accredits more than 780 universities and colleges in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi,  North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia, and in Latin America and other international sites.

Chowan University, which is accredited to award the associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees, has been continuously accredited by SACSCOC since 1956.