Accreditation, Regulatory Standing, and Academic Integrity


Accreditation, Regulatory Standing, and Academic Integrity

USILACS is committed to transparency, academic honesty, and legal compliance. Our institutional policies, governance structure, and public disclosures are designed to support academic integrity, responsible operations, and clear communication for students and families.

USILACS operates as a Florida-registered religious institution of higher learning and maintains institutional standards grounded in integrity, consistency, and respect for moral, ethical, and family values. Our academic framework is designed to be stable, student-centered, and aligned with our institutional purpose.


Institutional Accreditation

USILACS has held institutional accreditation through the North American Commission on College and University Accreditation (NACCUA) since March 12, 2017.

NACCUA is a private accrediting body that evaluates independent institutions using published standards and review processes.

NACCUA’s review areas include:

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

NACCUA accreditation indicates that USILACS has been reviewed against NACCUA’s institutional standards, including academics, administration, and student support.

Verify accreditation:

Visit NACCUA to Verify


NACCUA Accreditation Certificate

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Why USILACS Chooses Independent, Non-Title IV Accreditation

USILACS operates as an independent institution and maintains an accreditation and governance posture designed to support mission consistency, stable institutional operations, and clear institutional standards.

  • Supports mission consistency and institutional stability
  • Emphasizes clear academic expectations and accountability
  • Encourages responsible governance and administrative oversight
  • Supports consistent institutional standards across programs
  • Aligns with the needs of nontraditional and international online learners

USILACS intentionally operates outside the federal Title IV funding system. This choice supports a tuition model that is straightforward, predictable, and designed for students who prefer independent online study.

This structure allows USILACS to maintain consistent institutional policies and program delivery while focusing resources on instruction, student support, and academic record integrity.


Educational Independence & Federal Aid Non-Participation

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 and compliance requirements

These programs include regulatory and reporting requirements that shape institutional operations and oversight processes.

USILACS voluntarily chooses not to participate in Title IV federal aid programs in order to maintain a simple, independent operating model focused on affordability, consistent institutional standards, and direct student support.

  • Maintain an independent operating model
  • Keep tuition and enrollment processes straightforward
  • Preserve stable institutional policies and program delivery
  • Focus resources on instruction and student services
  • Maintain consistent academic documentation and records

This approach supports long-term institutional stability and a consistent academic experience for students.

USILACS is part of a broad category of private institutions that operate independently of Title IV funding. This model is common among schools that prioritize direct affordability, operational simplicity, and stable institutional policies.


2020 U.S. Department of Education Accreditation Reform

In 2020, U.S. Department of Education regulations updated terminology used in accreditation discussions. In higher education, the terms “regional” and “national” are still commonly used informally, but accreditation is generally discussed in terms of institutional accreditation and specialized (programmatic) accreditation.

  • Institutional accreditation
  • Programmatic (specialized) accreditation

USILACS holds institutional accreditation through NACCUA. Students should note that recognition status and usage of the term “accredited” can vary across jurisdictions, employers, and evaluation bodies.

White Paper Resource:

Download Accreditation Reform White Paper


White Paper on Accreditation Reform

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Legal Recognition – State of Florida

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 reflects the institution’s regulatory standing in Florida and:

  • Confirms our legal standing
  • Provides exemption from certain state licensure requirements
  • Confirms the institution’s authority to operate under its stated religious status in Florida

For verification, contact the Florida Department of Education: cieinfo@fldoe.org


Florida Religious Institution Compliance Letter

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Federal Nonprofit (501(c)(3)) Recognition

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

This recognition demonstrates our commitment to:

  • Public benefit educational service
  • Charitable nonprofit governance
  • Responsible operational stewardship
  • Community-oriented educational support initiatives

Verify nonprofit status:

Verify USILACS on IRS Website


IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

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Academic Credit Recognition

USILACS awards academic credit using documented academic policies and standard recordkeeping practices commonly used in U.S. postsecondary education.

We provide:

  • Official transcripts
  • Course syllabi
  • Credit-hour documentation
  • Degree audits
  • Program descriptions

Transferability of credit is not guaranteed and is determined by receiving institutions, employers, or evaluating agencies.

USILACS supports students by providing clear academic documentation, official records, and program materials suitable for review by employers, licensing bodies, and credential evaluators when applicable.


HESEAP Academic Validation

USILACS’ HESEAP (Higher Education Skills Equivalency Assessment Program) is an internal evaluation process used to document prior learning and experience for consideration under USILACS academic policies.

HESEAP may consider documented evidence such as:

  • Prior academic coursework
  • Professional training
  • Volunteer service
  • Job skills
  • Verified experiential learning

HESEAP supports consistent academic documentation by using written criteria, reviewer oversight, and record-based evaluation consistent with USILACS policies.

Learn more:

Read More About the HESEAP Program


Membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

USILACS maintains membership in the United States Chamber of Commerce as part of its commitment to responsible organizational participation and public-facing operational credibility.


U.S. Chamber of Commerce Logo

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Summary

USILACS maintains an accreditation and regulatory posture designed to support:

  • Institutional transparency and public disclosure
  • Academic integrity and record accuracy
  • Stable governance and ethical operations
  • Consistent academic standards and student support
  • Florida regulatory standing as a religious institution of higher learning
  • Nonprofit stewardship and accountability

Our accreditation, legal standing, nonprofit recognition, and academic documentation practices work together to support a credible and principled educational pathway for students worldwide.