21 Things You Should Know About Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is a regional accrediting agency for institutions of higher education in the Northwest. It is one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. The NWCCU's mission is to ensure that institutions of higher education in the Northwest meet or exceed standards of quality and integrity.

1. What is accreditation?

Accreditation is a process by which institutions of higher education are evaluated to ensure that they meet or exceed standards of quality and integrity. The NWCCU's accreditation process includes a self-study by the institution, a peer review visit by a team of NWCCU evaluators, and a final decision by the NWCCU's Commission on Colleges.

2. What are the benefits of accreditation?

Accreditation can provide a number of benefits to institutions of higher education, including:

• Recognition: Accreditation is a mark of quality that can help institutions attract students, faculty, and staff.
• Increased opportunities: Accreditation can help institutions qualify for federal and state funding, as well as access to other resources.
• Improved quality: Accreditation can help institutions improve their quality by providing them with a framework for self-assessment and improvement.

3. What are the requirements for accreditation?

The NWCCU's accreditation requirements are based on five core standards:

• Mission: The institution has a clear and appropriate mission that is consistent with its educational programs and services.
• Organization and governance: The institution has an effective organizational structure and governance system that supports its mission.
• Academic quality: The institution's academic programs are of high quality and are delivered by qualified faculty.
• Financial stability: The institution has a sound financial base that supports its educational programs and services.
• Integrity: The institution operates with integrity and adheres to ethical principles.

4. How can institutions apply for accreditation?

Institutions that are interested in applying for accreditation from the NWCCU should contact the NWCCU's office in Bellevue, Washington. The NWCCU will provide institutions with an application packet and will guide them through the accreditation process.

5. How much does accreditation cost?

The cost of accreditation varies depending on the size and complexity of the institution. The NWCCU's application fee is $2,500. The NWCCU's peer review visit fee is $15,000. The NWCCU's annual membership fee is $5,000.

6. How long does the accreditation process take?

The accreditation process typically takes about two years. The NWCCU's self-study process takes about one year. The NWCCU's peer review visit takes about one week. The NWCCU's Commission on Colleges makes a final decision about accreditation within 90 days of the peer review visit.

7. What happens if an institution is denied accreditation?

If an institution is denied accreditation, the NWCCU will provide the institution with a written explanation of the reasons for the denial. The institution can appeal the decision to the NWCCU's Commission on Colleges.

8. How can institutions maintain their accreditation?

Institutions that are accredited by the NWCCU must maintain their accreditation by submitting an annual report to the NWCCU and by undergoing a comprehensive review every 10 years.

9. What are the benefits of NWCCU accreditation?

NWCCU accreditation can provide a number of benefits to institutions of higher education, including:

• Recognition of quality: NWCCU accreditation is a mark of quality that is recognized by employers, students, and other stakeholders.
• Increased opportunities: NWCCU accreditation can help institutions qualify for federal and state funding, as well as access to other resources.
• Improved quality: NWCCU accreditation can help institutions improve their quality by providing them with a framework for self-assessment and improvement.

10. What are the requirements for NWCCU accreditation?

The NWCCU's accreditation requirements are based on five core standards:

• Mission: The institution has a clear and appropriate mission that is consistent with its educational programs and services.
• Organization and governance: The institution has an effective organizational structure and governance system that supports its mission.
• Academic quality: The institution's academic programs are of high quality and are delivered by qualified faculty.
• Financial stability: The institution has a sound financial base that supports its educational programs and services.
• Integrity: The institution operates with integrity and adheres to ethical principles.

11. How can institutions apply for NWCCU accreditation?

Institutions that are interested in applying for NWCCU accreditation should contact the NWCCU's office in Bellevue, Washington. The NWCCU will provide institutions with an application packet and will guide them through the accreditation process.

12. How much does NWCCU accreditation cost?

The cost of NWCCU accreditation varies depending on the size and complexity of the institution. The NWCCU's application fee is $2,500. The NWCCU's peer review visit fee is $15,000. The NWCCU's annual membership fee is $