STATE COLLEGE — South Hills School of Business & Technology recently announced that its Altoona Campus has been named a 2025-26 ACCSC School of Excellence by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. This marks the second consecutive accreditation cycle the campus has earned this prestigious national recognition.
The School of Excellence designation is awarded to institutions that demonstrate exceptional achievement in academic quality, student success, and continuous improvement. To receive the award, schools must successfully complete the accreditation process with no outstanding compliance findings, demonstrate a strong commitment to ACCSC accreditation standards, and achieve program-level graduation and employment rates that exceed the average of all ACCSC-accredited institutions.
As a result of earning School of Excellence status, ACCSC also granted the Altoona campus an additional year of accreditation, extending its accreditation term to six years beginning in September 2026.
Natalie Beaver, Director of Education & Regulatory Affairs at South Hills School of Business & Technology and an ACCSC team leader, said the recognition carries special significance because of her experience evaluating schools across the country.
“As someone who conducts ACCSC accreditation visits nationwide, I know firsthand how difficult it is to earn the School of Excellence designation,” Beaver said. “To receive this recognition for a second consecutive accreditation cycle is something our entire Altoona campus should be incredibly proud of. It reflects the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of every faculty and staff member who helps our students succeed every day.”
The Altoona campus will be recognized during the 2026 ACCSC Professional Development Conference in San Antonio, Texas, where institutions from across the country will be honored during the Annual Meeting and Institutional Awards Celebration on Sept. 18, 2026.
