Media Release: South University

State denies South University’s application to offer field placements in Washington

July 3, 2019

Olympia—The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has denied South University’s application to offer distance-education requiring field placements in state. WSAC made this decision after reviewing South University’s application for field placement authorization. The school submitted an application because of a change in ownership.  

Currently, there are 31 Washingtonians enrolled in South University's distance-education programs, none in a program requiring field placements. South University has no physical campus in Washington. WSAC informed students of this decision via email.

This denial does not affect currently enrolled Washington students. They can still finish their degrees at South University, and the school can continue to enroll Washington students. WSAC’s decision also does not affect South University’s accreditation status or the school’s participation in federal student loan programs. The school does not participate in state financial aid programs. 

WSAC identified a number of concerns that resulted in the decision to deny authorization. These included:  

• South University’s application contained inaccurate information. 
• South University’s managers previously operated other schools in Washington that experienced abrupt closures, which violated state regulations. 
• These abrupt school closures caused substantial damages to Washington students. 

South University has 30 days to appeal WSAC’s decision. 

WSAC authorizes schools offering degrees to operate in Washington. In 2012, WSAC authorized South University, under its previous ownership, to begin offering programs that required field placements. Since then, it has submitted an application for reauthorization every two years, as required by Washington’s Degree-Granting Institutions Act.  

About the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)

The Washington Student Achievement Council is committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington.