About SACSCOC

SACSCOC accredits colleges and universities committed to student success, academic quality, and continuous improvement.

Serving more than 780 institutions across the United States and the world, SACSCOC ensures that higher education meets rigorous standards while supporting innovation and growth.

Through a peer-driven process grounded in evidence and integrity, SACSCOC helps institutions strengthen outcomes, build trust, and serve students effectively.

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.

SACSCOC President Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt addresses the accreditor's membership at the 2025 Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.

SACSCOC at a Glance

  • 780+ Accredited Institutions
  • Serving Students Across the U.S. and the World
  • Students First, Always

Pruitt's Law or Lore

Clearing up the most persistent myths in accreditation.

SACSCOC News

Insights, data, and stories from across SACSCOC institutions.

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:

  • 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.

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  • Careers

    SACSCOC currently has one open position.

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    SACSCOC Office
  • 2024 Annual Report and Proceedings

    To view the 2024 Annual Report please click here.

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  • Belle S. Wheelan Opportunity Scholarship

    The SACSCOC Board of Trustees established the Belle S. Wheelan Opportunity Scholarship.

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  • 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

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    Covers of Standards from Criteria to current Principles
  • News

    News concerning the world of Higher Education.

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    Stack of Newspapers
  • Upcoming Events

    Upcoming events presented by SACSCOC.

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    Upcoming Events
  • Hot Topics Video Series

    Videos designed to give you quick access to specific topics that are among the top requests we receive for information here at SACSCOC.

    Please click here to review these videos.

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  • 100 Day Plan

    Dr. Pruitt announces 100 day package with webinars.  Click here for more information.

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