Accreditations
The College is a member of, and accredited by, the Higher Learning Commission.
Individuals may contact the Commission at:
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street
Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
Phone: 800-621-7440 / 312-263-0456
Fax: 312-263-7462
In April 2023, the HLC conducted a self-study and team visit on The College of Wooster campus. Prior to that, in June 2017, we completed an Assurance Argument for our mid-cycle review by the Higher Learning Commission. Additionally, our Quality Initiative project was completed in August 2021.
The College of Wooster has been an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1947. The College’s Teacher Preparation Program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The College’s Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The College’s program in Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society.
State Authorization
The College is authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
NC-SARA (National council for state authorization reciprocity agreements)
Wooster is approved by The Ohio Department of Higher Education to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. By participating in NC-SARA, Wooster has reciprocity to offer online courses to residents in other NC-SARA states. This allows us to offer online courses in SARA member states and territories. These include all states (except California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For students in California, The California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education does not regulate out-of-state public institutions. Therefore, Bureau approval for Wooster to offer its online courses to you when you are in California is not required.
Students enrolled in Wooster distance education courses should attempt to resolve complaints first with the College before contacting state agencies for resolution.
Non-instructional complaints
- As the portal agency for Ohio institutions participating in NC-SARA, The Ohio Department of Higher Education handles complaints of a non-instructional nature.
- For further details about the process, view SARA Student Complaint Process workflow.
Instructional complaints
- Ohio residents who have complaints of an instructional nature should contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
- Residents of SARA states that have instructional complaints should contact their home state consumer protection agency.
Complaint process (students in non-SARA states)
- Residents of California who have non-instructional or instructional complaints should contact California’s consumer protection agency.
Other methods for resolution
- Students with unresolved complaints also have the right to contact our regional accrediting body, The Higher Learning Commission.