Accreditation

Cape Fear Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Questions about the accreditation of Cape Fear Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ( www.sacscoc.org ).

The US Secretary of Education recognizes accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in establishing the eligibility of higher education institutions to participate in federal funding. Accreditation allows us to receive federal funding and provide financial aid to our students. As an accredited institution, our degrees are recognized by receiving institutions, which allows our courses to articulate to other colleges and universities.

CFCC was initially accredited in 1971 by SACSCOC and was reaffirmed for accreditation in 2007. Accreditation by SACSCOC signifies that an institution meets standards established by the higher education community that address the needs of society and students, has a purpose appropriate to higher education and has the resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish its purpose continuingly. Accreditation evaluates whether an institution maintains clearly specified educational objectives consistent with its mission and whether it is successful in achieving its stated objectives. The Commission has been a leader in defining and implementing the concept of “institutional effectiveness” in higher education and is known for having stringent requirements for membership.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is one of six private, nonprofit, regional accrediting associations recognized by the Department of Education. SACSCOC was founded in 1895 to improve education in colleges and schools. SACSCOC accredits higher education institutions in eleven southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia) and Latin America that award associate, baccalaureate, master or doctoral degrees.

For a copy of the Principles of Accreditation: Foundation for Quality Enhancement or for more information about the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges and accreditation, please visit the SACSCOC website .

The statement of accreditation, along with a list of select programs with individual accreditation status and certifications, is also included in the 2024-2025 CFCC Catalog and Student Handbook .

Contact

For questions about CFCC’s accreditation contact:

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
404-679-4500

Helpful Links

• Overview of 2027 Reaffirmation of Accreditation Process
• Accreditation Status
• Curriculum Program CIP Codes
• NC SARA State Authorization

Accreditations and Certifications of Select Programs