WASC

WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, is a regional accrediting organization in the United States. It functions as a voluntary, nonprofit body that accredits educational institutions in the western region, including higher education institutions and pre-college schools. The organization operates through two main commissions: the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which accredits colleges and universities, and the WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC-ACS), which accredits K–12 schools. Together, they form the broad WASC accreditation framework.

Accreditation by WASC is a quality-assurance process focused on institutional improvement. Institutions seeking accreditation complete a self-study, undergo a peer-review evaluation, and host an on-site visit by commissioners. Standards typically address mission and governance, academic programs, student services and learning resources, faculty qualifications, financial stability, and the assessment of student learning and outcomes. After evaluation, the commissions decide on accreditation status and require periodic reaffirmation, with progress reports and follow-up visits as needed.

WASC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a legitimate accrediting agency. It is one of the regional accrediting bodies that oversee accreditation in the United States. Its geographic scope primarily covers institutions in the western states and territories, and its K–12 accreditation covers many independent schools within that region. Through accreditation, WASC aims to promote quality assurance, accountability, and continuous improvement in education.