Pierce College Accreditation

Pierce College is a Member institution with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Pierce College's accreditation status is reaffirmed. NWCCU's most recent action on Pierce College's accreditation status on March 1, 2024 was to reaffirm accreditation. 

NWCCU is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558-4224

Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one that has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.

Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.

For further information on Pierce College accreditation contact:

Allison Sieving
Dean of Institutional Research
253-964-6490

Why Accreditation Is Important

Postsecondary accreditation is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public. Accreditation qualifies institutions and enrolled students for access to federal funds to support teaching, research and student financial aid and assures students that credits earned will transfer to other accredited institutions.

The process of accreditation helps the college dedicate time to reflect on its programs and processes, what it does well, where it needs to improve, and how well it serves its mission and goals and therefore its students. This self-analysis helps the institution become a more effective organization.

Pierce College Accreditation Communications

Pierce College NWCCU Activities

2023 Year 7 Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness (EIE)

Date Activity
Fall 2022 - Winter 2023 Teams drafting EIE content
April 2023 Council and Committee Review of EIE Draft
May 2023 College Community Review of EIE Draft
June 2023 Board of Trustees Review of EIE Draft (Study Session)
July 2023 Marketing and Communications Finalize Report
August 2023 EIE Report submitted to NWCCU
August 2023 Board of Trustees Retreat – Prep for Year 7 Site Visit
August - October 2023 District Employee Information Sessions on the Year 7 Site Visit
September 20, 2023 District Employee Information Sessions on the Year 7 Site Visit
October 18 - 20 2023 Year 7 Site Visit

Institutional Accreditation Documentation

2017 - 2023 Accreditation Cycle

Year Report
2024 NWCCU Year Seven Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness Notification Letter
2023 Year Seven Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness
2023 NWCCU Year Six Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review Feedback Report
2022 Year Six Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review
2019 NWCCU Mid-Cycle Notification Letter
2019 Year Three Mid-Cycle Report
2017 Year One Report

Documentation from Previous Cycles

Individual Program Accreditation

Program Accreditation
Dental Hygiene American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
Nursing Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN); Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, Washington State Department of Health
Veterinary Technology American Veterinary Medical Association; Washington State Veterinary Medical Association
Emergency Medical Services Registered with National Registry of EMT (NREMT), approved by WA state
Fire Services Leadership & Management International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
Early Childhood Education Meets state licensure and WA State Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB)