The North Central Association is a consortium of educational institutions that provides accreditation and consultative services to member schools and school systems. Following is their statement of purpose:

"The purpose of the Association shall be the development and maintenance of high standards of excellence for universities, colleges, and schools, the continued improvement of the educational program approach to the solution of educational problems, the establishment of cooperative relationships between the schools, colleges, and universities within the territory of the Association, and the maintenance of effective working relationships with other educational organizations and accrediting agencies."