Accreditation
Overview
Accreditation is a form of independent review designed to establish and maintain the uniform quality of educational programs and institutional effectiveness. It includes an important process of self-assessment that allows an institution to reflect on its programs, policies, and procedures as well as its strengths and weaknesses in accomplishing its educational mission.
As an accredited school, Olympic College is allowed to provide financial aid to qualifying students, thereby giving more people access to strong, valuable education programs.
The most recognized accreditation in higher education is administered by regional accrediting associations that are ratified by the United States Department of Education. Olympic College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), an institutional accrediting body which accredits colleges and universities in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. The NWCCU is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Olympic College completed a comprehensive 10-year reaccreditation evaluation in the Fall of 2009 which resulted in its accreditation being reaffirmed.
To see the commendations and recommendations for Olympic College from the Northwest Commission, click here.
Olympic College is a public, two-year post-secondary institution serving the people of Kitsap and Mason Counties in Washington State (Community College District 3).
Olympic College is also approved by the Veterans Administration for attendance by veterans under Public Law 550 and 894.
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities can be reached:
- Through its website at www.nwccu.org
- By phone at (425) 558-4224
- Or by contacting the Northwest Commission office at
8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 100
Redmond, Washington, 98052-3981
