Cypress College and Fullerton College are accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). ACCJC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Commission for Higher Education Accreditation. In January 2018, the Commission reaffirmed accreditation for Cypress College and Fullerton College for 18 months with a follow-up report due by March 1, 2019. Click here to read the re-accreditation letter and here to read the follow-up report letter for Cypress College. Click here to read the re-accreditation letter and here to read the follow-up report letter for Fullerton College.  The next comprehensive evaluation for accreditation is scheduled for Fall 2024.

North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS) under WASC. NOCE applied for and received full accreditation status in 2011. In May 2017, the Commission granted NOCE a six-year term of accreditation, which is the longest cycle of accreditation, with no mid-cycle visit and no warnings. Click here to read the re-accreditation letter for NOCE. The next comprehensive evaluation for accreditation is scheduled for Spring 2023.

Being awarded accreditation means a college has met standards of quality set by the accrediting organization. Accreditation is necessary for colleges to participate in federal and some state financial aid programs, and is important for the acceptance and transfer of college credits. 

During the accreditation process, each college conducts an extensive self-evaluation and is visited by an external accreditation team that reports to ACCJC. The study and site visit evaluate each college's institutional mission and effectiveness; student learning programs and services; resources; and leadership and governance. Accreditation is reconsidered every seven years. NOCE remains on a six-year cycle with visits by WASC ACS.

The Colleges and NOCE offer a number of programs of study that are accredited by various external agencies in addition to ACCJC and ACS accreditation. To see a complete list of these external agencies, please click here.

Contact Information
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
10 Commercial Blvd, Suite 204
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 506-0234
www.accjc.org 

Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
43517 Ridge Park Drive, Suite 100
Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 693-2550
http://www.acswasc.org/