Accreditation, Regulatory Standing, and Academic Integrity

USILACS has held full Institutional Accreditation from the North American Commission on College and University Accreditation (NACCUA) since March 12, 2017.

NACCUA is a longstanding private accrediting body serving independent, nonprofit, faith-based, and mission-focused colleges and universities. NACCUA accreditation evaluates:

• Academic quality
• Curriculum integrity
• Faculty qualifications
• Administrative compliance
• Governance
• Student support
• Institutional stability

Accreditation through NACCUA affirms that USILACS meets or exceeds accepted standards of U.S. higher education for private institutions.

Verify accreditation:

Visit NACCUA to Verify

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Private institutional accreditation—historically referred to as “national accreditation”—is the most appropriate environment for values-based and faith-respecting institutions because it:

• Respects mission-driven education
• Maintains freedom from political or ideological pressures
• Protects curriculum neutrality
• Allows institutions to uphold consistent moral and ethical standards
• Preserves the rights of families to choose values-aligned education

USILACS intentionally selects a form of accreditation that safeguards our educational independence, mission integrity, and values-preserving approach.

This independence allows USILACS to avoid the cultural, political, and social pressures now shaping many traditional campuses.

In the United States, eligibility for federal student aid (such as Pell Grants, federal loans, and other U.S. Department of Education Title IV programs) requires institutions to:

• Participate in the federal Title IV regulatory system
• Obtain accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education
• Adhere to extensive federal reporting, compliance, and evolving political policy mandates

These programs, while beneficial to many institutions, carry federal regulatory conditions that influence curriculum, governance, campus policy, and institutional operations.

USILACS voluntarily chooses not to participate in Title IV federal aid programs in order to:

• Maintain full educational independence
• Protect mission integrity
• Avoid political or ideological interference
• Preserve neutrality and stability for students and families
• Uphold a values-centered learning environment

This choice reflects our commitment to operating free from federal policy shifts that can impact academic identity and institutional priorities.

In July 2020, the U.S. Department of Education eliminated the historical distinction between “regional” and “national” accreditation. Under current regulations, only two categories remain:

• Institutionally Accredited
• Programmatically Accredited

USILACS’ accreditation is fully aligned with the Institutionally Accredited category.

White Paper Resource:

Download Accreditation Reform White Paper

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USILACS is legally recognized by the State of Florida as a Religious Institution of Higher Learning under Florida Statute 1005.06(1)(f).

This designation:

• Confirms our legal standing
• Provides exemption from certain state licensure requirements
• Allows us to operate in harmony with our religious and values-preserving mission

Verify with the Florida Department of Education: cieinfo@fldoe.org

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USILACS has been a federally recognized 501(c)(3) public educational charity since February 10, 2017.

This recognition demonstrates our commitment to:

• Public benefit
• Charitable educational service
• Ethical nonprofit governance
• Humanitarian outreach in the U.S. and Asia

Verify nonprofit status:

Verify USILACS on IRS Website

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USILACS is a proud member of the United States Chamber of Commerce, reflecting our commitment to responsible nonprofit governance, ethical operations, and active participation within the national educational and business community.

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