What Verdica's 767 score means for Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College's composite score of 767 places it in the "strong" band (740–799), indicating that the institution demonstrates solid regulatory standing and operational compliance across the measured dimensions. A score in this range reflects an education provider that meets or exceeds baseline federal and state requirements and shows consistent performance in the areas Verdica tracks.
Readers should interpret this as a signal of low regulatory risk. The institution is not flagged for major compliance concerns, and its accreditation and Title IV standing appear stable. However, the score is not in the "excellent" range (800–850), which means there are measurable areas where performance trails top-tier peers. For prospective students, employers, or institutional partners evaluating Arizona Western College, a 767 score suggests a provider worth considering, though due diligence into specific program outcomes or operational details remains appropriate.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation (845/850): This sub-score reflects Arizona Western College's standing with its regional or national accreditor. A score of 845 is very strong and indicates the institution holds current accreditation with no known status issues, sanctions, or probationary flags. Accreditation is the foundation of federal eligibility; without it, students cannot access Title IV aid. A score this high means the college is meeting accreditor standards for governance, financial stability, educational quality, and institutional effectiveness.
Student Outcomes (630/850): This is the lowest of the three sub-scores and falls into the "elevated" risk band (580–669). In the education industry, student outcomes metrics typically measure retention rates, completion rates, employment placement, and earnings data collected through IPEDS and other federal surveys. A score of 630 suggests that Arizona Western College's outcomes trail acceptable benchmarks—either fewer students are persisting to graduation, or graduates face slower labor market entry or lower earnings. This does not indicate a crisis, but it signals that students should carefully review specific program completion and job placement data before enrolling.
Compliance (835/850): This sub-score reflects adherence to Title IV regulations, financial reporting accuracy, and other federal and state compliance obligations. A score of 835 is very strong and indicates Arizona Western College is meeting its reporting deadlines, maintaining required financial reserves or ratios, and operating within regulatory guardrails. No known violations, late filings, or audit findings are flagged in the underlying data.
What regulators in AZ track for education providers
Arizona's education providers are overseen by multiple layers of regulation:
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Accreditation: Regional bodies (such as ACCJC or SACSCOC) verify that institutions maintain educational quality, financial health, and governance standards. Loss or suspension of accreditation triggers federal aid eligibility loss and institutional closure risk.
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Title IV Compliance: The U.S. Department of Education monitors colleges' use of federal student aid funds, loan default rates, cohort earnings, and program-specific metrics. Schools that fail to meet thresholds may face fines, aid restrictions, or loss of Title IV certification.
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IPEDS Reporting: The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System requires colleges to submit data on enrollment, completions, costs, and student aid. Inaccurate or late filings result in regulatory notice and reputational flagging.
Specific infractions that lower scores include unresolved audit findings, loan default rates exceeding federal benchmarks, accreditation warnings, missed Title IV annual certifications, and poor persistence or completion rates. Conversely, clean audits, low default rates, and strong graduation metrics improve standing.
Bottom line
Arizona Western College scores as a "strong" provider with solid regulatory standing and high accreditation and compliance marks. However, its notably lower student outcomes sub-score warrants closer inspection: prospective students should review completion rates, program-specific placement data, and cost-to-earnings ratios before committing to enrollment.