Accreditation
Your Online Degree is Fully Accredited
Accreditation
As a WKU Online student, you are a Hilltopper who can earn a degree from a fully accredited university.
Western Kentucky University is accredited by The Commission on Colleges and Universities (formerly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Western Kentucky University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.
First accredited in 1926, WKU’s accreditation was most recently reaffirmed in December 2025 with no additional reporting requirements. Accreditation is currently reviewed and reaffirmed every ten years to maintain our ongoing degree-granting status.
Questions about the accreditation of Western Kentucky University may be directed in writing to The Commission on Colleges and Universities at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by emailing questions@sacscoc.org.
Additional Program Accreditations and Memberships
In addition to WKU's institutional accreditation through The Commission on Colleges and Universities (formerly SACSCOC), many WKU academic programs hold specialized accreditation or approval from national professional organizations.
For more information about specific program accreditations, see our dedicated directory pages:
WKU is proud to be part of the Academic Common Market in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), and WKU Online participates in their Electronic Campus program. Residents of the 15 SREB member states can receive in-state tuition to enroll in programs not offered by public colleges or universities in their state of residence.
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