Goodwin College is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin College was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes. Operating under an open-access model, Goodwin College seeks to admit all students who have academic potential, regardless of past performance. The College then supports these students with counseling and tutoring to help them succeed. As a result of this inclusive approach, Goodwin College is one of the most diverse colleges in the state, with over half of its students being the first in their families to pursue higher education.