• Your Accreditation Journey Starts Here

WSCUC advances excellence at higher education institutions around the world. We work closely with each institution to understand its unique goals and challenges — and to support its mission. WSCUC accreditation signals that an institution meets clear standards for quality and outcomes and is part of a community committed to accountability, innovation, and improvement.

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All institutions, both within the United States and abroad, follow the same eligibility process. The steps below outline the typical path, though WSCUC staff may adjust the process based on an institution’s readiness, including waiving the Alignment and Financial Reviews.

WSCUC Accreditation Process

Step 1: Inquiry

The process begins when your institution submits an inquiry to WSCUC. Within two business days, WSCUC conducts a preliminary review and contacts the institution to schedule a 30-minute introductory meeting.

Following this conversation, WSCUC will determine whether to invite your institution to move forward to the Alignment and Financial Review stage.

Step 2: Alignment & Financial Review

This stage includes a formal review of institutional fit and financial standing. Institutions invited to this stage must pay the eligibility review fee and submit the Notice of Intent and the Programs and Locations at Eligibility form, which become part of your official file. WSCUC then provides instructions for completing the required reviews, and WSCUC consultants conduct the Alignment and Financial reviews independently.

The Alignment Review assesses alignment with WSCUC’s mission, values, strategic priorities, and expectations for institutional quality and improvement. Reviewers use both scored criteria and non-scored factors. The Financial Review evaluates your institution’s overall financial health using WSCUC’s financial review guidelines.

Once all materials are complete, WSCUC issues an eligibility decision within 60 business days. Additional information is available in WSCUC’s Eligibility Process Overview.

Step 3: Apply for Accreditation

Institutions that receive an eligibility determination are invited to submit the Application for Accreditation form along with the required fee for the Seeking Accreditation Visit (SAV1).

At this stage, WSCUC assigns a Vice President to serve as your institution’s staff liaison and primary point of contact throughout the Seeking Accreditation Visit process.

Becoming Accredited FAQs

Which institutions may apply for WSCUC accreditation?

Postsecondary institutions may apply if they offer degree programs and have a significant focus on higher education.

How long does the accreditation process typically take?

WSCUC does not require a fixed timeline for completing accreditation. Emphasis is placed on an institution’s compliance with the Standards of Accreditation and accompanying Criteria for Review.

My institution is accredited by another institutional accreditor. Do we still need to complete the eligibility process?

All institutions follow the same WSCUC eligibility process. Because the process may be adjusted by WSCUC staff as appropriate, institutions with an established accreditation record may have the Alignment and Financial Reviews waived. This will be assessed during the initial inquiry stage.

If you have questions about how your existing accreditation status may factor into the process, bring them to your introductory meeting with WSCUC.