Verifying that an institution or program meets established standards; Assisting prospective students in identifying acceptable institutions; Assisting institutions in determining the acceptability of transfer credits; Helping to identify institutions and programs for the investment of public and private funds; Protecting an institution against harmful internal and external pressure; Creating goals for self-improvement of weaker programs and stimulating a general raising of standards among educational institutions; Involving the faculty and staff comprehensively in institutional evaluation and planning; Establishing criteria for professional certification and license and for upgrading courses offering such preparation; and Providing one of several considerations used as a basis for determining eligibility for Federal assistance.