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OpenClassrooms secures university status in the United States
WSCUC grants accreditation to OpenClassrooms, enabling the expansion of the “apprenticeship degree” model co-designed with Fortune 500 companies.
ALAMEDA, California, 16 September 2025 /PRNewswire/ – The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the accrediting body for more than 200 higher education institutions, announced today that it has granted accreditation to OpenClassrooms, a pioneering creator of registered apprenticeship programs that allow students to earn a market-rate salary while building valuable skills in fields ranging from cybersecurity to healthcare. With this accreditation, students enrolled at OpenClassrooms can now earn an accredited associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, in addition to completing debt-free apprenticeships funded by employers and skills-focused online training.
“This accreditation reflects the recognition that quality and outcomes in higher education can take many forms. It also reflects growing demand, from students and employers alike, for degree pathways that combine work experience and classroom learning,” said Dr Maria Toyoda, President and CEO of the WASC Senior College and University Commission. “By aligning its programs with labour market needs, OpenClassrooms has demonstrated and developed in-demand skills while reducing student debt and meeting the rigorous quality standards required for WSCUC accreditation.”
This announcement is one of the first cases in which a major US accrediting body has recognised an institution whose core activity is apprenticeship-based degrees. It is a significant milestone for OpenClassrooms, which already runs five Registered Apprenticeship Programs approved by the US Department of Labor.
In recent years, interest in so-called “alternative” pathways to a degree has grown sharply. According to a recent study by the non-profit Jobs for the Future, 74% of Gen Z young people want to acquire skills that prepare them for in-demand jobs, and 58% believe employers should broaden their recruitment to pathways that connect training and employment, such as apprenticeships, certifications and bootcamps.
Known for its evidence-based approach to quality assurance, WSCUC conducted a thorough review of OpenClassrooms including a self-assessment, a peer review and an on-site evaluation — the same rigorous, multi-stage process required of traditional universities and institutions. The accreditation confirms that OpenClassrooms meets WSCUC’s high standards for institutional effectiveness, student outcomes and continuous improvement.
Since it was founded in 2013, OpenClassrooms has expanded its offering to support more than 60,000 students in degree programs across more than 100 countries, through flexible online programs designed in collaboration with employers such as Amazon, Capgemini, IBM and Merck.
OpenClassrooms students also benefit from comprehensive support, including mentoring, career coaching, paid work experience and direct connections to hiring opportunities.
“As demand explodes for training closely tied to labour market needs, no one should have to choose between gaining the skills they need today and earning a degree that holds value,” said Pierre Dubuc, co-founder and CEO of OpenClassrooms. “This accreditation brings us closer still to demonstrating that another path exists — one where learners can earn a market-rate salary and a degree while working, gaining concrete experience and building relationships with employers who value their skills.”
About WSCUC
The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is an institutional accrediting body recognised by the US Department of Education. Outcomes-based, WSCUC accreditation helps institutions design and sustain innovative educational programs and assures the public that accredited institutions meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness.
About OpenClassrooms
OpenClassrooms is a mission-driven, B Corp certified global platform connecting training and employment, preparing learners for high-demand careers through accredited, accessible training and registered apprenticeships. In 2024, more than 43,000 learners credited OpenClassrooms with a positive change in their career — a key impact indicator that fuels OpenClassrooms’ commitment to improving its learners’ lives. Founded in Paris and present internationally, OpenClassrooms works with academic institutions, employers and governments to scale inclusive, outcomes-focused training solutions. Learn more: openclassrooms.com/en/
