San Jose, CA - On June 21, 2002, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) granted accreditation for five years to The National Hispanic University in San Jose.  This historical milestone makes NHU the first and only Latino four-year university to gain accreditation from WASC.

While NHU is also accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools and the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing, WASC accreditation is recognized as a more prestigious award since they accredit all of the top four-year universities in California.  The accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits 145 baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting institutions in California, Hawaii and Guam.  "For every Latino in the United States, WASC accreditation is the shot heard around the world," stated Dr. Roberto Cruz, NHU President.  "Students attending NHU are guaranteed the quality education that they deserve," concluded Cruz.

The news of WASC accreditation comes at the heels of a recent announcement by Board Chairman Edward Alvarez regarding the purchase of the 11-acre campus housing the University for $5 million and plans to construct a brand new 65,000-square foot educational facility for students by 2004.

The National Hispanic University was founded in 1981 in Oakland, California where its administrative offices were housed in a two-room building and classes were offered in the evenings in various classrooms around the city borrowed from local corporate supporters who had training facilities.  The University Trustees opted to move its headquarters in 1986 and located its campus in San Jose, one of the largest Hispanic communities in the Southwest.

The National Hispanic University is an independent, non-profit university authorized to grant degrees since 1981.  The NHU offers degree programs in business, liberal studies, computer information systems, and a credential program for elementary teachers.  The University has established joint degree partnerships with San Jose State University, San Jose City/Evergreen Community Colleges and NASA/Ames Research Center.  For more information on The NHU, please contact Robert Cruz II at (408) 482-0703 or (408) 273-2712.