Accreditation FAQs

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a both an evaluative process and seal of approval for institutions of higher education:

Accreditation is a voluntary system of self regulation developed to evaluate overall educational quality and institutional effectiveness (The Commission’s complete Purpose Statement is available in Article I, section 2 of its Bylaws). The ACCJC accreditation process provides assurance to the public that the accredited member colleges meet the Standards; the education earned at the institutions is
of value to the student who earned it; and employers, trade or profession-related licensing agencies, and other colleges and universities can accept a student’s credential as legitimate. (www.ACCJC.org)

What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a both an evaluative process and seal of approval for institutions of higher education:

Accreditation is a voluntary system of self regulation developed to evaluate overall educational quality and institutional effectiveness (The Commission’s complete Purpose Statement is available in Article I, section 2 of its Bylaws). The ACCJC accreditation process provides assurance to the public that the accredited member colleges meet the Standards; the education earned at the institutions is
of value to the student who earned it; and employers, trade or profession-related licensing agencies, and other colleges and universities can accept a student’s credential as legitimate. (www.ACCJC.org)

What is the ACCJC?

ACCJC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as a reliable authority regarding the quality of education offered by the institutions it accredits in keeping with the Higher Education Act of 1965. ACCJC is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which has established criteria that define a quality review system for accrediting agencies.

ACCJC accredits institutions in the United States, its territories and affiliates, with a primary mission of granting associate degrees; institutions accredited by ACCJC may also award certificates and other credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, if those credentials are within the institution’s mission and authorized by their governmental authorities. ACCJC may also accredit non-domestic institutions with a primary mission of granting associate degrees.

Why is regional accreditation important?

There are different types of accreditation, but regional accreditation (there are six regional bodies that cover the United States and its territories) is the most comprehensive.  Accrediting commissions set high, institution-wide, and peer-reviewed standards for its member institutions.  Other types of accreditation (program and national) are more specialized.  For example, nursing programs require special accreditation to ensure specific training levels for future practitioners.

Who oversees the ACCJC?

Each accrediting agency is itself accredited by the Department of Education according to criteria set out by the Higher Education Act and approved by Congress.

ACCJC Resources:

ACCJC President’s Desk

ACCJC Newsletters

ACCJC ByLaws and WASC Constitution

ACCJC Publications and Policies