Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
University of the Southwest has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1980. Accreditation by the HLC is of particular importance and remains a priority because it provides assurance to students, the community, and other stakeholders that the degrees obtained from USW adhere to quality standards.
Click the HLC icon below to access USW's most current HLC Statement of Accreditation Status report.
To access USW's 2018 Assurance Argument submitted to the Higher Learning Commission, click here.
New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED)
University of the Southwest holds current approval from the New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) as a regionally-accredited, private, post-secondary institution of higher education. Click the link below to view the most current authorization from NMHED.
NMHED Approval Letter and Licensure Certificate
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)
“SARA pertains to approval of distance education courses and programs offered across state lines by postsecondary institutions that already have degree authorized in at least one state. SARA centralizes the authorization process for each institution in a single state called the institution’s “home state.” College or universities in a SARA state therefore only need their authorization to offer distance education to students in any other SARA member state, subject to certain limitations.” -SARA
Policy and Operations Manual, 2017
University of the Southwest maintains an institutional partnership with the SARA and recognizes this partnership as a critical step towards providing quality services for students.
New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED)
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) holds regular and on-going program reviews of degrees which lead to New Mexico teacher or education professional licensure. University of the Southwest holds current accreditation through NMPED for all licensure programs offered in the School of Education.
Board of Examiners Continuing Accreditation Report-2013