About SACSCOC

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is an institutional accreditor for quality assurance in higher education. SACSCOC accredits institutions that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees, including those offered via distance and correspondence education, and direct assessment within these institutions. It serves as the common denominator of shared values and practices among its members in the United States and international institutions of higher education approved by the SACSCOC Executive Council, Board of Trustees, and the Appeals Committee of the College Delegate Assembly.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is to assure the educational quality and improve the effectiveness of its member institutions.

Accreditation by SACSCOC signifies that the institution (1) has a mission appropriate to higher education, (2) has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that mission, and (3) maintains clearly specified educational objectives that are consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees its offers, and that indicate whether it is successful in achieving its stated objectives.

Core Values and Value Statement

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has six core values. They are:
• Integrity
• Continuous Quality Improvement
• Peer Review/Self-regulation
• Accountability
• Student Learning
• Transparency

 

Vision Statement

To serve as the premier model for shaping and ensuring the quality of higher education throughout the world.

Strategic Planning

SACSCOC adopted a new formal Strategic Planning process in 2012, based upon individual units within the organization supporting broad goals. In 2017, this process was modified to a more integrated approach, with action committees made up of representatives across organizational units working together in support of the mission, strategic goals, and objectives of SACSCOC. For more information or to review the current Plan, please click here.

Our Institutions

Click a state to show institutions for that state

Core Values and Value Statement

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has six core values. They are:
• Integrity
• Continuous Quality Improvement
• Peer Review/Self-regulation
• Accountability
• Student Learning
• Transparency

 

Vision Statement

To serve as the premier model for shaping and ensuring the quality of higher education throughout the world.

Strategic Planning

SACSCOC adopted a new formal Strategic Planning process in 2012, based upon individual units within the organization supporting broad goals. In 2017, this process was modified to a more integrated approach, with action committees made up of representatives across organizational units working together in support of the mission, strategic goals, and objectives of SACSCOC. For more information or to review the current Plan, please click here.

Accreditation

To gain or maintain accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement and with the policies and procedures of the Commission. SACSCOC applies the requirements of its Principles to all applicant, candidate, and member institutions, regardless of type of institution (public, private for-profit, or private not-for-profit).

For more information about Accreditation, please follow the links below:

  • SACSCOC Presidential Search Process

    The SACSCOC Board of Trustees and the Executive Council are conducting a search for the next president.  Issacson Miller, a national search firm, is partnering with the Board in this important matter.  Please click here for updates, to apply or nominate individuals.

     

     

    Learn More
  • CHEA Recognition and Call for Third-Party Comment

    SACSCOC will be reviewed on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 during the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Committee on Recognition November 2024 meeting. Third-party comment must be received in the CHEA office no later than September 27, 2024.

    Click here for information.

    Learn More
  • Resource Manual for 2024 Principles of Accreditation

    The Resource Manual for the 2024 Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement is now available on  our website.

    Learn More
  • Careers

    SACSCOC is currently seeking a Coordinator of Commission Support. Click here for the Application Process and Job Description.

     

    Learn More
    SACSCOC Office
  • 2023 Annual Report and Proceedings

    Learn More
  • Holding Educational Institutions to High Standards

    To gain or maintain accreditation with the SACSCOC, an institution must comply with the standards contained in the Principles of Accreditation: Foundations for Quality Enhancement

    Learn More
    Covers of Standards from Criteria to current Principles
  • News

    News concerning the world of Higher Education.

    Learn More
    Stack of Newspapers
  • Upcoming Events

    Upcoming events presented by SACSCOC.

    Learn More
    Upcoming Events