Columbia Southern University is excited to announce that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) board of trustees has granted institutional accreditation to the university. With this milestone achievement, you may have questions as to how this impacts you.
Is Columbia Southern University accredited?
Yes. CSU was granted accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) on Dec. 6, 2022. SACSCOC is the primary accreditor for most colleges and universities in the southeast including University of Georgia, Auburn University, University of Alabama, University of Florida and others. SACSCOC is recognized by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
What is the difference between regional and national accreditation?
Regional and national accreditors are now referred to as institutional accreditors. These accreditors provide assurance of institutional accreditation. For more information, read “College Accreditation: What It Is and Why It’s Important.”
Is Columbia Southern University now regionally accredited?
On Dec. 6, 2022, CSU was granted institutional accreditation by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees. While the phrases “regional” and “national” accreditation are no longer in use, an institutional SACSCOC accreditation will satisfy the desire for “regional” accreditation.
What does SACSCOC accreditation mean for Columbia Southern University?
SACSCOC accreditation indicates that CSU has met the expectations and guidelines of an institutional accreditor. For CSU students, this represents a step forward in acceptance of transfer credit and acceptance of degrees by other institutions and employers. For the institution itself, SACSCOC accreditation provides CSU the ability to engage with more potential partnerships, articulation agreements, and pathways for our students and alumni.
Does earning accreditation with SACSCOC guarantee credit transfers to another college?
No. Transfer credit decisions rest with the receiving institution regardless of accreditation status.
What does SACSCOC accreditation mean for current students?
Accreditation ensures quality and integrity of academic programs. Accreditation also serves to verify that an institution has established and placed into practice instructional, student support, and other services to assist students in achieving their educational goals.
I am an alumnus. Will my degree be recognized as regionally accredited?
If you graduated on or after Jan. 1, 2022, your degree will be conferred from a SACSCOC accredited institution. If you graduated prior to this date, your degree will remain accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which was and continues to be recognized by Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For more information, visit “College Accreditation: What It Is and Why It’s Important.”
Will receiving SACSCOC accreditation impact our tuition costs?
Tuition costs are determined by the CSU Board of Trustees. The decision to hold or change tuition is a Board of Trustees function separate from accreditation status.
For more information, please email CSU-Communications@ColumbiaSouthern.edu or visit SACSCOC.org.
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
