A graduate of California Indian Nations College is honored during a blanket ceremony at the school’s 2025 graduation ceremony.
California Indian Nations College has been granted eight-year accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, becoming California's only fully accredited tribal college.
The commission announced its decision following a meeting in January where it reviewed the college's follow-up report and related materials. The action places the Palm Desert institution among regionally accredited colleges recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
"This moment reflects the resilience of our ancestors, the unwavering dedication of our students, staff, and faculty; and the steadfast support of our Tribal communities, non-tribal communities and our legislators who walk beside us in a shared vision for the future of American Indian education," President Celeste Townsend said in a news release.
The accreditation follows years of self-evaluation, community engagement and institutional development. The commission found that California Indian Nations College met standards for academic quality, institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.
California Indian Nations College was chartered by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians in 2017 to address higher education access for Native American students. California is home to one of the largest Native American populations in the United States.
"The CINC team has been the tip of the spear for our Native students and we invite all Tribal nations to take part in CINC's ongoing and historic achievement," Twenty-Nine Palms Chairman Darrell Mike said.
Assemblymember James C. Ramos said the achievement addresses a long-standing gap in California's higher education system. "It is unconscionable that California, the state with the greatest number of Native Americans, has no Indian College; and now we do," he said.
The college offers associate degree programs with culturally responsive curriculum designed to serve both Native and non-Native students. The accreditation enables the institution to expand academic offerings and strengthen partnerships with other educational institutions.
California Indian Nations College's next required report to the accrediting commission will be a midterm report due in September 2029. The institution's next comprehensive review will begin in spring 2033.