WASC Senior College and University Commission Statement on the Status of Pathways College
On February 13, 2026, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) voted to issue an Order to Show Cause on Pathways College.
A sanction of Show Cause reflects the Commission’s finding that the institution has serious issues of noncompliance with one or more of the Standards of Accreditation. The Commission has determined that Pathways College is not in compliance with WSCUC Standard(s) 1, 3, and 4. Under U.S. Department of Education Regulations, when the Commission finds that an institution fails to meet one or more of the Standards of Accreditation, it is required to notify the institution of these findings and give the institution a period of time to correct the deficiencies. Under the Commission’s policies the timeframe may not exceed two years. It is the responsibility of the Commission to determine, at the end of the sanction period, whether the institution has made the necessary corrections and has come into compliance with Commission Standards.
The accredited status of Pathways College continues during the Show Cause period and students’ status within the institution is not affected by this sanction.
The Commission’s decision to issue Pathways College a sanction of Show Cause is subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Commission Action Letter dated February 27, 2026. This document is available on the WSCUC website and is posted below our response in full. Anyone who has questions about Pathways College’s accreditation status should contact Randall Hoggard (rhoggard@pathwayscollege.edu)
Accreditation
Commitment to Transparency and Accreditor Communications
Pathways College is committed to full transparency in all licensing and accreditor communications. As part of our compliance practices, we ensure that all required documents—including accreditation letters, consumer information disclosures, annual notices, and policy statements—are not only available on our institutional website but are also posted prominently at our physical campus locations. This dual approach guarantees that students, faculty, regulators, and the broader community have clear, accessible information about our standing, our policies, and our commitment to accountability.
By maintaining up-to-date postings both online and in person, we affirm our responsibility to keep stakeholders informed and to align with the expectations of regulatory bodies and accreditors. This practice reinforces trust, demonstrates institutional integrity, and ensures that our students feel confident in the support systems and standards guiding their education.
Arizona State Board of Private Postsecondary Education Licensure (AZPPSE)
Pathways College has been granted a Regular Accredited Vocational and Degree Program License AVD- 01714 by the Arizona State Board of Private Postsecondary Education, 1740 W. Adams Street, Room 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602-542-5709, http://ppse.az.gov
Click here to view current AZPPSE License
California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education Licensure (BPPE)
Pathways College is a private, non-profit institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards contained in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education is located at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95833, 916.431.6924, (Fax) 916.263.1897, http://www.bppe.ca.gov
Click here to view current BPPE Aproved Educational Program List
State Authorization for Distance Education
Pathways College has been approved to participate in the Arizona Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
This allows the college to serve students in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Additionally, Pathways College is currently authorized to operate, exempt, or not subject to state authorization approval in the following states for its distance education programs. Pathways College may accept enrollment applications from prospective students residing in (located in) the states on this list.
States on this list require authorization in addition to or in lieu of AZ-SARA participation.
- Arizona – Pathways College is approved to operate in Arizona. See above.
- California – Pathways College is approved to operate in California. See above.
- Idaho – Pathways College is exempt from registration/not subject to oversight by the Idaho State Board of Education by way of attestation that Pathways College does not have a physical presence in Idaho, as defined in IDAPA 08.01.11.200.03, and is able to offer distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Idaho.
- Illinois – Pathways College is authorized by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, by way of an exemption as an Institution with Limited Physical Presence in Illinois, to provide distance education programs to Illinois residents as defined under the Illinois Administrative Code Section 1030.10 (Ill. Admin. Code tit. 23 § 1030 (2017)). Pathways College has received additional Operating Authority in the Chicago Region. A student who is a resident of Illinois and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) at: https://complaints.ibhe.org/
- Louisiana – Pathways College is exempt/not subject to oversight by the Louisiana Board of Regents and is able to offer distance education programs to students who reside (are located) in Louisiana.