The Accrediting Commission for Schools' accreditation process has a dual purpose of assuring the public that schools must be worthy of the trust placed in them to provide high quality learning opportunities, with the added requirement of clearly demonstrated continual self-improvement. WASC states that the purpose of accreditation is to "foster excellence" by "helping schools meaningfully create the highest quality learning experience they can envision for all students."
A postsecondary institution must meet the conditions of eligibility and complete a self-study process to apply for a term of accreditation from the WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools. Federal Title IV student financial aid may be available to a postsecondary institution that receives a term of accreditation from the commission.
Both the WASC conditions of eligibility and the request for WASC affiliation forms are available on the WASC website. A $150 application fee is required. Return the completed request for WASC affiliation form and the application fee to the WASC Burlingame office.
If the institution withdraws from the application process, the $150 is not refundable. If the institution reapplies or postpones the visit to another academic year, an additional $150 fee is required. If WASC determines that the institution is not eligible for affiliation with WASC, the $150 will be refunded.
Institutions determined eligible for WASC affiliation will receive a postsecondary institution candidacy application template. Upon the completion of the approved forms, the WASC executive director will arrange for two members to visit the school for one day. Following the visit, the two members will present a report to the WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools.
The executive director will notify the institution on the commission's action. A favorable outcome grants the institution designation as a candidate for accreditation for a term not longer than three years. During the third year, the institution is expected to complete a self-study for full accreditation. A full term of accreditation may be granted if a full term of self-study is completed during the term of candidacy. Once accredited, a full self-study visit occurs every six years.