Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
Washington and Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, the master of laws, and juris doctor degrees. Washington and Lee University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Washington and Lee University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
State of Virginia Authorization
Washington and Lee University is authorized by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to provide post-secondary undergraduate and graduate-level programs.
Washington and Lee University obtained its original degree-granting authority in 1782 when the Virginia General Assembly passed "An Act for Incorporating the Rector and Trustees of Liberty Hall Academy." The institution was first recognized as a "college" in 1796 when the General Assembly passed "An Act for Erecting Liberty Hall Academy Into a College." Pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 23.1-219, the University is exempt from seeking annual degree certifications and a list of exempt institutions is maintained on the website of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
Specialized Accreditation
The Ernest Williams II School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics is accredited by AACSB International: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The School of Law is a member of the Association of American Law Schools and is approved by the American Bar Association. For additional information on the Juris Doctor licensure disclosure as required by 34 CFR 668.43 click here.
The Department of Journalism and Mass Communications is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
Washington and Lee University is approved for veterans' education by the Commonwealth of Virginia - Department of Veteran Services.
Education Studies offers a teacher education program that meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The program is also approved by the Virginia Department of Education to offer coursework that leads to licensure.
Pursuant to federal law, all current and prospective students are allowed to review copies of documents describing Washington and Lee University's accreditation, approval, and licensing. To view any or all of these documents, please contact the Assistant Provost of Accreditation & Institutional Research at bprice@wlu.edu (540) 458-8316.
For information regarding Professional Licensure Disclosures per U.S. Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 please view the Professional Licensure Disclosures.
Complaints against Washington and Lee may be filed at the following links:
Reviewed: September 12. 2024