Accreditation
Palo Alto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Associates and Baccalaureate Degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Palo Alto 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).
As required by the U.S. Department of Education, Palo Alto College has submitted all documentation to SACSCOC necessary to maintain ongoing accreditation of the College. Those documents include the following:
SACSCOC Reaffirmation Letter 2022 (PDF)
SACSCOC Ten-Year Reaffirmation Focus Responses – September 13, 2021 (PDF)
Quality Enhancement Plan – September 13, 2021
SACSCOC Ten-Year Reaffirmation Compliance Certification – March 1, 2021 (PDF)
SACSCOC Fifth-Year Interim Report
Additional Information Request from SACSCOC - July 11, 2017
SACSCOC Special Report - Oct. 1, 2017
The Palo Alto Veterinary Technology Program received initial accreditation in 1998 and has maintain full accredited from the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Education and Activities.
The Ray Ellison Family Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Palo Alto College's Landscape and Horticultural Science Program is provisionally accredited by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
Palo Alto College's Cosmetology Program is accredited by the Texas Department of Licensure and Regulation (TDLR).
Palo Alto College's A.A.S. Nursing Program received Initial Approval from the Texas Board of Nursing on January 24, 2024.
Palo Alto College's Dental Hygiene Program received Initial Accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The final stage of accreditation will take place in Spring 2025.
Palo Alto College’s academic programs are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.