Westcliff University

Westcliff University is proud to offer a diverse portfolio of high-quality academic programs across our College of Business, College of Education, and College of Technology and Engineering.

Westcliff University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education. As an accredited institution, all degrees and certificates awarded by Westcliff University are offered under this institutional accreditation.

To ensure the highest academic standards, Westcliff’s programs are developed and delivered through a rigorous internal review process led by experienced faculty and academic leadership and are submitted to WSCUC for review and approval as part of the university’s accredited scope. This process ensures that each program meets established standards for academic quality, learning outcomes, and institutional integrity.

Accreditation provides students with confidence that Westcliff University:

• Employs qualified and credentialed faculty
• Offers academically sound and approved programs of study
• Maintains appropriate learning resources, technology, and facilities
• Operates with financial stability and integrity
• Adheres to responsible recruitment, admissions, and student support practices

At Westcliff, accreditation is more than a credential—it is a commitment to delivering relevant, rigorous, and career-focused education designed to support student success.

Accreditation is an assurance of quality. In the field of education, an accredited university must verify that its programs and administrative processes meet standards established by the U. S. Department of Education and regulated by approved accrediting agencies. The Department of Education states that beyond an assurance of quality, two major functions of accreditation are “assisting prospective students in identifying acceptable institutions” and “assisting institutions in determining the acceptability of transfer credits.”

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Westcliff University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9797. WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

Westcliff University College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).  Founded in 1988, ACBSP ignites a standard of excellence with an accreditation process based on the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence. ACBSP accreditation focuses on recognizing teaching excellence, determining student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. Institutions with programs accredited by ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want. To learn more, please visit the ACBSP website.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)

Westcliff University is a private institution and has been granted approval to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225, Sacramento, CA 95834, www.bppe.ca.gov, Toll-free phone: 1.888.370.7589).

BPPE APPROVED – Approval to Operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

Commission for Independent Education (CIE)

Westcliff University is approved to operate campuses in the state of Florida by the Commission for Independent Education (CIE). The CIE has statutory responsibilities in matters relating to nonpublic, postsecondary, educational institutions with the Florida Department of Education.

College of Nursing

Westcliff’s College of Nursing programs are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). Westcliff University is regionally accredited by the prestigious WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Western State College of Law

American Bar Association (ABA)

Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.

For more information about our American Bar Association (ABA) accredited College of Law, visit https://www.wsulaw.edu/prospective-students/accreditation/.

• The Significance of Accreditation

  Attending an accredited institution of higher education provides students with confidence that their education meets established standards of academic quality, integrity, and effectiveness. Accreditation serves as an external validation of an institution’s commitment to continuous improvement, sound governance, and student success.

  Accredited universities demonstrate transparency in their operations and offer comprehensive student services designed to protect student rights, support learning outcomes, and prepare graduates for professional and academic advancement.

  Westcliff University is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education. In addition, select business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), reflecting a commitment to excellence in business education. Together, these accreditations affirm Westcliff University’s dedication to maintaining high academic standards and to ongoing institutional and programmatic improvement.

• The Process of Accreditation

  Accreditation is a rigorous, peer-review process through which institutions of higher education are evaluated to ensure they meet established standards of academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and integrity.

  As an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) evaluates the university as a whole rather than individual programs. The accreditation process includes ongoing institutional self-evaluation, external peer review, and periodic reaffirmation to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.

  Through this process, institutions examine their mission, leadership, academic offerings, student support services, and learning outcomes to ensure that all parts of the institution work together in support of student success. Accreditation affirms that the institution operates transparently, uses resources responsibly, and is committed to sustained educational excellence.

  Westcliff University’s accreditation reflects both a significant achievement and an ongoing commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous institutional improvement in service of its students.