Cuesta College continues to engage in ongoing self-improvement processes and procedures. Recently, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) notified the college that its October 2017 Mid-Term Report to the ACCJC was accepted. The purpose of the review is to determine the degree to which Cuesta College has made progress in implementing its plans and improving outcomes related to student achievement.

ACCJC President Richard Winn states in the letter, “On behalf of the Commission, I wish to commend the evident achievements of the College as it continues its efforts in the best interest of its students.”

“I am extremely proud that the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges recognizes Cuesta College's dedication to continuous quality improvement in the work of our faculty, staff, administration, and the Board of Trustees,” said Cuesta College Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer Dr. Deborah Wulff. “The college recognizes accreditation is ongoing and has implemented strategies and processes to continually address and meet the commission’s standards. Cuesta College continues its commitment to excellent education and innovative programs that allow our students to achieve their goals.”

In February of 2015, the ACCJC reaffirmed Cuesta College’s accreditation for a six-year period. The next accreditation report due from Cuesta College is the Institutional Self-Evaluation Report in the fall of 2020.

Accreditation is the primary means that educational institutions assure and improve quality. California community colleges must apply to the ACCJC, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education. The process focuses on self-evaluation, peer review and quality improvement. Institutions are either reaffirmed or placed on sanction, which include four levels: warning, probation, show cause and termination of accreditation.

For more information on Cuesta College’s accreditation, visit the college’s accreditation webpage.