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.