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Accreditation

Columbus State Community College has been proudly accredited since 1973 by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This accreditation affirms our dedication to providing high-quality education and continuous institutional improvement.

  • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

    230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
    Chicago, IL 60604
    hlcommission.org
    (800) 621-7440

Columbus State is accredited to award more than 150 degrees and certificates in areas that include, but aren't limited to, information technology, health care, health/public services and engineering technologies. In 2020, after its most recent reaffirmation of accreditation (Accreditation Status), the College entered the "Open" pathway to accreditation. The open pathway to accreditation follows a 10-year cycle with the next reaffirmation of accreditation scheduled for 2029-2030.

News

Please go to https://www.cscc.edu/about/accreditation/accreditation-process.shtml for more information.

Accreditation Corner

Higher Learning Commission Announces New Guidance For Certificate Programs 

HLC has released new guidance for certificate programs, including programs intended for Workforce Pell. The guidance outlines when new certificate programs require HLC notification or prior approval and identifies expectations related to program quality, student support, assessment, program review, student success, and sustainability.

If your area is developing or revising a certificate program, please review the HLC Certificate Program Guidance early in the planning process. Questions? Contact the Office of Accreditation at accreditation@cscc.edu.

"Your Role in Accreditation"

Accreditation is a team effort. See below for our monthly tips that highlight one simple action you can take to strengthen our commitment to quality service and continuous improvement.

ACCREDITATION TIPS

8. Ask About Accreditation

  • Seek clarification on accreditation requirements from Teddi Lewis-Hotopp (tlewisho@cscc.edu) or Darla Van Horn (dvanhorn@cscc.edu).
  • Ask questions if you aren't sure. Accreditation impacts everyone and is a collective and collaborative effort.
  • If you need help or resources for special accreditation for your area, please contact Teddi or Darla in the Accreditation Office or accreditation@cscc.edu 

https://www.cscc.edu/about/accreditation/

See all tips

What is HLC Accreditation? 

Our Accreditation Status

  • Current Accreditation Status: Accredited
  • Last Reaffirmation Date: January 27, 2020
  • Next Scheduled Review: 2029-2030

The accreditation process involves regular self-evaluation and external peer review to ensure our institution aligns with HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation, including:

1. Mission

2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct

3. Teaching and Learning for Student Success

4. Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning

Federal Compliance

As part of the accreditation reaffirmation process, the HLC will evaluate the institution’s compliance with federal requirements, focusing specifically on the below requirements:

  1. Assignment of Credits, Program Length and Tuition
  2. Institutional Mechanisms for Handling Student Complaints
  3. Publication of Transfer Policies
  4. Practices for Verification of Student Identity
  5. Protection of Student Privacy
  6. Publication of Student Outcome Data
  7. Standing With State and Other Accreditors
  8. Recruiting, Admissions and Related Enrollment Practices

The Federal Compliance Reviewer will assess how effectively Columbus State adheres to applicable federal requirements. Additional details can be found at this link. 

Why Accreditation Matters to You

As a student at Columbus State Community College, HLC accreditation provides:

  • Confidence in Quality: Assurance that your education meets recognized standards.
  • Federal Financial Aid Access: Eligibility for federal student aid programs.
  • Credit Transferability: Ease of transferring credits to other accredited institutions.
  • Credential Recognition: Degrees and certificates that are respected by employers and other institutions.

Contact Us for Accreditation Questions

For more information about Columbus State Community College’s accreditation status or to access resources, please contact:

College Accreditation Office
Teddi Lewis-Hotopp, Director
Accreditation Liaison
tlewisho@cscc.edu
614-287-2866

Darla Van Horn, Program Manager
dvanhorn@cscc.edu
614-287-2856

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411
800-621-7440
312-263-0456

Other Accreditation and Memberships

Many of the degree programs at the College are accredited by professional associations and agencies. They are listed below.

Professional Licensure

Federal Regulation 34 CFR 668.43(a)(5)(v) requires colleges to make readily available to prospective and enrolled students’ information about whether their programs leading to professional licensure or certification meet educational requirements in their state. 

At Columbus State, students who are enrolled in a program leading to professional licensure in Ohio, but whose permanent address is outside the state, must complete a form before they can register for courses.

For additional information, including required disclosures, forms, and a list of applicable programs, please refer to the Interstate Licensure page. 

Columbus State Community College is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which permits the College to enroll out-of-state students in online educational programs.  NC-SARA, regulates interstate online education, but does not cover license programs.  

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