Overview
The University of Southern California has been fully and continuously accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since March 6, 1949.
Accreditation through WSCUC affirms that USC meets the highest standards in terms of our academic mission, our capacity to meet that mission, the quality and integrity of our academic programs, our commitments to student learning and student success, and the overall effectiveness of our institutional purposes and processes. It also highlights our promise to protect students, to support them academically, to ensure we remain good stewards of public monies we receive, and to serve the common good.
Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DE), WSCUC is one of the nation’s seven regional accreditors, serving over 180institutions of higher education across California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Region. WSCUC accreditation is critical to USC. Regional accreditation is what makes USC students eligible to receive Title IV federal funding (across several aid programs) and, as result, allows USC California residents to receive student aid from the state of California.
USC’s accreditation was reaffirmed in the spring of 2021. Our next comprehensive accreditation review begins with a WSCUC offsite review in fall 2030 and a site visit in spring 2031. We invite you to visit this site for further information and background.
