CSN - Accreditation

MISSION The College of Southern Nevada empowers our students and communities to achieve, succeed, and prosper.

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) has been continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since September 1, 1975. NWCCU recognizes higher education institutions for performance, integrity, and quality and expects accredited institutions to comply with the requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This accreditation qualifies CSN and enrolled students to access federal funds to support teaching, research, and student financial aid. CSN is authorized by NWCCU to award Associate and Bachelor degrees.

2023 NWCCU Reaffirmation of Accreditation Letter

In Fall 2021, CSN prepared a year six Policies, Regulations, and Finance report which was reviewed by the NWCCU with no suggestions. In Fall 2022, CSN prepared a Year-7 comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness self-report for the NWCCU including an on-site visit to the college on October 5-7, 2022.  CSN also provided progress reporting on three 2015 recommendations. Individuals are always invited to provide comments to the NWCCU regarding CSN's compliance with the NWCCU standards.

CSN will prepare an ad-hoc report to respond to 2022 Recommendations 1 & 4 in Fall 2024 with a follow-up peer site visit from the NWCCU.  Next, CSN will prepare mid-cycle report in Fall 2025 with a corresponding peer site-visit and respond to 2022 Recommendations 2 & 3.

The NWCCU adopted new accreditation standards (effective January 2020) that focus on mission fulfillment, institutional effectiveness, student learning, student achievement, governance, resources, and capacity.

Accreditation and CSN (PDF)

Specialized Program Accreditation

Several CSN academic programs are accredited through their professional and specialized organizations.  List of Programs , accrediting agency, and accreditation status.

Professional Licensure Programs

Several CSN academic programs lead to state licensure or national certification.  List of Programs.

Athletics

CSN's Men's Baseball and Women's Softball programs are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).