Why WGU – Our Accreditation

Regionally, NCATE, and CCNE accredited

Regionally Accredited

Western Governors University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, one of the major accrediting commissions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Regional accreditation is the highest form of accreditation. The Northwest Commission is also responsible for the accreditation of other major institutions, including the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, and Brigham Young University, to name just a few.

NCATE Accredited

The WGU Teachers College is the first exclusively online provider of teacher education to receive accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). NCATE is the premier specialized accrediting body for teacher preparation and accredits colleges of education that produce over two-thirds of the nation’s new teacher graduates annually. Read more about the NCATE accreditation.

CCNE Accredited

The bachelor’s and master’s nursing degree programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington DC 20036, 202-887-6791).

CAHIIM Accredited

WGU’s Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Committee on National Security Systems Certified

WGU's Information Security and Assurance program has been certified by the National Security Agency’s Information Assurance Courseware Evaluation (IACE) Program.

Our Unique Story

WGU has the distinction of being the only university to receive regional accreditation simultaneously from four regional accrediting commissions. This was in part because of our founding by the governors of 19 U.S. states, which encompass a wide geographic region. (The Northwest Commission is now considered WGU’s home accrediting body.)

Why Accreditation is Important

Accreditation (regional in particular) is important for the following reasons:

• Proof that outside evaluators have carefully reviewed an institution’s programs and policies.
• Credits are more likely to be transferable to other accredited institutions.
• Your degree is more likely to be recognized by colleges and employers as a legitimate credential.

WGU continues to be an institution with a broad focus and a mission to expand access to higher education. Accreditation is one of the many ways in which we ensure your success as a WGU graduate.