Regional educational accreditor serving 750+ institutions across the Southern United States since 1895.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) is a regional educational accreditor that evaluates and accredits universities, colleges, and community colleges across the Southern United States and select institutions in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Central/South America. As a regional accreditor, SACSCOC accreditation extends to all educational programs offered at accredited institutions. The organization oversees approximately 750 public and private degree-granting educational institutions as of 2022.
SACS operates through two main divisions: the Commission on Colleges (established 1912) and the Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (CASI). The Commission on Colleges accredits higher education institutions, while SACS CASI accredits over 13,000 primary, middle, and secondary schools and school systems. The organization publishes accreditation actions every six months, including reaffirmations and public sanctions of institutions.
SACS accredits educational institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The organization also accredits select institutions for U.S. students in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, including universities in Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the United Arab Emirates.
The organization is led by President Belle S. Wheelan and Chairman John Pickelman. SACS is recognized by the United States Department of Education and maintains affiliation with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors.