Accreditation & Ranking
A top-ranked,
authentically Catholic university
U.S. News & World Report ranked JPCatholic in 2025 as #3 for Best Value in Regional Colleges West (104 schools), and tied for #10 Overall, the second consecutive year that our ranking has risen in both categories!
In addition, we are proud to have been consistently recommended on the Newman Guide list of faithfully Catholic colleges.
Both of these recognitions represent independent and external affirmation of the great value offered in the education and formation at JPCatholic.
U.S. News Ranking Newman Guide
Accredited by WSCUC
John Paul the Great Catholic University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the same organization that accredits schools like UCLA and Stanford. WSCUC accreditation aids institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs and assures the educational community and the general public that an accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness.
WSCUC Accreditation Timeline
John Paul the Great Catholic University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001.
1. Eligibility
JPCatholic began its accreditation journey in January 2007 by applying to WSCUC for Eligibility. Once WSCUC determined Eligibility (May 2007), the University began its journey towards Candidacy and Initial Accreditation.
2. Candidacy
WSCUC reviewed the Candidacy application and in March 2011, the University was recognized as a Candidate for Accreditation.
Read the full report3. Initial Accreditation
JPCatholic completed the Capacity and Preparatory Review (CPR) site visit in September 2012 and the Educational Effectiveness Review (EER) site visit in October 2014. Following the EER visit, WSCUC notified JPCatholic of Initial Accreditation on March 6th, 2015. WSCUC notification letters and team reports are available on our WSCUC institution page.
4. Accreditation Reaffirmation
On July 12th, 2021 JPCatholic received notification from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) that JPCatholic’s accreditation is reaffirmed for a period of eight years. The next reaffirmation review will be held in 2028-2029. WSCUC notification letters and team reports are available on our WSCUC institution page.
About Institutional Accreditation
Voluntary, non-governmental, institutional accreditation is a unique characteristic of American education. Institutions are not required to seek accreditation; however, because of the recognized benefits, most eligible institutions seek to become accredited. The accreditation process assists institutions, like JPCatholic, in developing and sustaining effective educational programs and assures the educational community and the general public that high standards of quality and effectiveness have been met.
Questions about accreditation may be directed to JPCatholic or to WSCUC at https://www.wscuc.org/contact/ or 510.748.9001.