Undergraduate Catalog

Recognitions & Accreditations

Because of WIU’s long-time support of veterans and active duty service members, the University has been recognized as a “Military Friendly School” by Viqtory/Military Friendly, achieving “Gold” status for 2022–23. Western ranked #2 in the United States for small public universities earning the Gold Top 10 status, and WIU is recognized as a “Best for Vets College” by Military Times magazine, ranking 24th out of 134 four-year institutions across the U.S. WIU is the only Illinois public institution in the top 50, and one of only two Illinois public institutions in the list of four-year schools.

Western Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University’s teacher licensure programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. In addition, many of its departments and schools are accredited by professional agencies, including the following:

  • ABET: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
  • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • American Speech–Language–Hearing Association
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
  • National Association of School Psychologists
  • National Association of Schools of Art and Design
  • National Association of Schools of Music
  • National Association of Schools of Theatre

Western Illinois University is also approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As such, the University’s distance learning program follows policies and standards that are overseen by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements and administered by four regional higher education compacts. For additional information, please visit http://nc-sara.org.

These external recognitions and peer-based accreditations showcase Western's high academic standards, quality instruction, proven opportunities for job and graduate school placement, outstanding academic and residential facilities, exciting extracurricular activities, and institutional commitments to sustainability and affordability.

These recognitions also reinforce the unique mission and niche of Western Illinois University in the state’s public higher education system. Keeping focused on our vision, mission, and values is critical for continued student success and our progress, growth, and contributions to the state and beyond.