Western Association of Schools and Colleges

WASC accreditation certifies to other educational institutions and to the general public that an institution meets or exceeds established standards and is achieving its own stated objectives. WASC and the other five regional associations in the United States grant institutional accreditation after a comprehensive self-study followed by an on-site evaluation of the programs and services of the total institution. This means that all diploma or degree programs and educational activities offered by the institution are covered by the institution's accreditation. The evaluation determines whether or not the institution qualifies for regional recognition, but, more important, periodic self-study and review promote improvement in educational quality." (WASC Directory, 1999-2000)

WASC consists of three commissions:
Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
Accrediting Commission for Schools

The WASC accrediting region consists of the states of California and Hawaii, the territories of Guam, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, and areas of the Pacific East Asia where American and International schools or colleges may apply.

WASC web site http://www.wascsenior.org/wasc/