Accreditation

Accreditation demonstrates that an institution meets the standards of quality and accountability set by the accrediting organization and encourages continual improvement. Campuses must be accredited in order for students to qualify for federal and some state financial aid programs and is important for the acceptance and transfer of college credits.

Cypress College and Fullerton College are fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), under the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The next comprehensive evaluation for accreditation for both colleges is scheduled for Fall of 2024.

North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS) under WASC. In May 2023, NOCE was notified of its updated accreditation status for the full six-year accreditation cycle through June 2029.

The accreditation process involves an extensive self-evaluation by each college, as well as a site visit and assessment by an external accreditation team reporting to ACCJC. This process occurs every seven years for community colleges. Other educational institutions, including NOCE, are evaluated every six years.

The Colleges and NOCE offer a number of programs that are accredited by various external agencies in addition to ACCJC and ACS accreditation.