Anaheim University was founded in Orange County, California in 1996. The University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally-recognized accrediting agency. Anaheim University and its programs have been examined and found to meet the educational and business ethics standards set by the DETC Accrediting Commission. The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

In addition, the University operates under the full approval of the State of California in accordance with the requirements set forth by the Bureau for Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education. Original temporary approval was granted in 1997 by the Council for Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education under Section 94310 of the California State Education Code. "Approval to operate" means that the Bureau has determined and certified that the institution meets minimum standards established by the Bureau for integrity, financial stability and educational quality, including the offering of bona fide instruction by qualified faculty and the appropriate assessment of students' achievements prior to, during, and at the end of its program.

The University is authorized to grant graduate degrees at the master level under the degree-granting authority of the Bureau for Private Post-Secondary and Vocational Education.

Anaheim University has entered into a voluntary agreement with the California Department of Consumer Affairs to comply with applicable federal statutes, rules and regulations and demonstrate to the Department of Education the legal authorization to operate under California law, due to the State closure of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.