Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation
Alaska Pacific University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
(425) 558‐4224
www.nwccu.org
State Authorization
Alaska Pacific University is authorized to operate in the State of Alaska by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education [ACPE]. In the event a student believes a violation of state institutional law has been violated by Alaska Pacific University the student can contact ACPE regarding the alleged violation. ACPE recommends that students pursue the complaint/grievance process at APU prior to contacting ACPE.
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
PO Box 11050
Juneau, AK 99811-0505
907-465-6741
Email: EED.ACPE-IA@alaska.gov
More information about ACPE and the complaint process can be viewed here.
Alaska Pacific University is also authorized to offer distance education courses and programs in other states through the National Council for State Reciprocity Agreements. For more information, see https://acpe.alaska.gov/Institutional-Authorization/SARA.
Specialized Program Accreditation
Specialized program accreditation is conferred on academic programs through a rigorous process of peer review based on standards specific to the discipline and demonstrated learning outcomes relevant to the profession.
Business Administration and Management 
Alaska Pacific University has received specialized accreditation for business programs through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. The following degrees are accredited by the IACBE:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration and Management with emphases in Non-profit Management and Health Care Management
- Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration & Management/Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with concentrations in Finance and Health Services Administration
- Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership
Teacher Education 
The APU Teacher Education Program (K-8) is approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, now a part of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Alaska State Department of Education. The APU Education Department provides the Institutional Recommendation for teacher certification, which is then issued by the Alaska State Department of Education.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Effective March 3, 2020, the baccalaureate nursing program at Alaska Pacific University located in Anchorage, Alaska is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on March 2022.
Effective September 2021, the practical nursing program at Alaska Pacific University located in Anchorage, Alaska is a candidate for initial accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. This candidacy status expires on September 2023.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this candidate program at
