Accreditation Status
Accreditation Status of OCCC Programs and Services
Oregon Coast Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558-4224 www.nwccu.org.
Oregon Coast Community College was recognized as independently accredited by the NWCCU in February 2020. The links below provide a comprehensive history of the institution’s journey towards, and achievement of, independence. The College submitted its Ad Hoc Report to the NWCCU in April 2021, and hosted a mid-cycle review in Fall 2022. Direct questions about OCCC’s accreditation status to ea@oregoncoast.edu.
What does institutional accreditation mean for OCCC students?
Institutional accreditation is a nationally recognized assurance that Oregon Coast Community College meets rigorous standards of quality, integrity, and effectiveness. Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) allows OCCC to participate in federal financial aid programs—an essential benefit, as many of our students rely on grants, loans, and other forms of aid to pursue their education.
Beyond access to funding, NWCCU’s accreditation standards place student success, equity, and continuous improvement at the center of the College’s work. Accreditation requires OCCC to regularly evaluate how well we are serving students and our community, and to use evidence to strengthen our programs, services, and outcomes.
Accreditation helps ensure that OCCC students:
- receive a high-quality education grounded in clearly defined learning outcomes
- have access to federal student financial aid
- earn credits that are transferable to other colleges and universities
- receive degrees, certificates, and credentials that meet professional and licensure standards
- benefit from academic and student support services designed to meet their individual learning needs
In short, accreditation provides confidence—to students, employers, transfer institutions, and the public—that an Oregon Coast Community College education is meaningful, recognized, and built for long-term success.
How does accreditation affect the OCCC community?
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) affirms that Oregon Coast Community College meets nationally recognized standards for educational quality, institutional effectiveness, and integrity. These standards guide how the College evaluates itself, makes decisions, and continuously improves in service to students and the community.
Faculty
Supports academic freedom, shared governance, and evidence-based improvement of curriculum, instruction, and assessment of student learning.
Staff
Promotes effective policies, clear processes, and a collaborative workplace focused on student support, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
Board of Education
Provides a framework for oversight and accountability, ensuring that the College fulfills its mission, uses resources responsibly, and responds to areas identified for improvement.
Community
Affirms OCCC’s role as a trusted public institution that advances educational access, workforce development, and responsible stewardship of public resources for the Oregon Coast.
Accreditation Achieved:
A History of OCCC Submissions & NWCCU Responses
Oregon Coast Submission
Aug. 28, 2025
Year Six, Standard Two, Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review (PRFR)
PRFR Appendices: Email To Request Appendices
NWCCU Response
Jan. 21, 2026
NWCCU Response to the 2025 PRFR
NWCCU Notification
Feb. 27, 2023
NWCCU Board of Commissioners Record of Action
Oregon Coast Submission
Sept. 5, 2022
NWCCU Response
Oct. 17-18, 2022
Mid-Cycle Peer Evaluation Report
Feb. 3, 2020
Letter Granting Initial Accreditation
Oregon Coast Submission
March 19, 2021
NWCCU Response
July 23, 2021
NWCCU Notification Letter, Recommendation 5 Fulfilled
Oregon Coast Submission
Aug. 29, 2019
Self-Evaluation for Initial Accreditation
NWCCU Response
Oct. 16-18, 2019
Initial Accreditation Peer Evaluation Report
Oregon Coast Submission
Feb. 14, 2018
Self-Evaluation for Candidacy
June 7, 2018
Institutional Response to the Initial Candidacy Evaluation Report
NWCCU Response
April 9-11, 2018
Initial Candidacy Peer Evaluation Report
July 24, 2018
Initial Candidacy Notification Letter
Oregon Coast Submission
Spring 2015
Year 7 Self-Evaluation Report
(Filed as a stand-alone report with PCC’s Year 7 Self-Evaluation Report)
Oct. 27, 2015
Application for Consideration
NWCCU Response
Jan. 29, 2016
NWCCU Letter granting Application Status
July 19, 2017
NWCCU Letter: Initial Candidacy Evaluation
Nov. 14, 2017
NWCCU Initial Candidacy Visit Letter
Oregon Coast Submission
July 14, 2014
Report to the NWCCU
NWCCU Response
Aug. 26, 2014
NWCCU Response