Santiago Canyon College Accredited

Santiago Canyon College in east Orange, the newest community college in the state, has received its first accreditation. The accreditation, from the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges, provides students with access to financial aid and allows them to transfer credits to four-year schools.

Santiago Canyon was established as a separate campus, rather than as a satellite campus, in 1997. Until its accreditation came through, Santiago classes were recognized through its sister college, Santa Ana College. Santiago learned of the accreditation Wednesday.