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 (Action Letter), 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.
What is HLC Accreditation?
The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States. Accreditation by the HLC ensures that Columbus State meets rigorous standards for:
- Academic Quality
- Institutional Integrity
- Student Support Services
- Continuous Improvement
Learn more about the Higher Learning Commission on their official website.
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:
- Assignment of Credits, Program Length and Tuition
- Institutional Mechanisms for Handling Student Complaints
- Publication of Transfer Policies
- Practices for Verification of Student Identity
- Protection of Student Privacy
- Publication of Student Outcome Data
- Standing With State and Other Accreditors
- 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
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 Accreditations and Memberships
Many of the degree programs at the College are accredited by professional associations and agencies. They are listed below.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA)
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition & Dietetics (ACEND)
- Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
- American Bar Association
- American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF)
- American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- American Welding Society
- Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health
- Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care Education Programs
- Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions
- Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
- Council for Standards in Human Services Education
- Federal Aviation Association
- GXMO
- Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) (Surveying Program)
- National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) (CIWP Program)
- Ohio Board of Nursing
- Ohio Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors (Surveying Program)
- Ohio Department of Health Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and Train the Trainer (TTT)
- Ohio Department of Public Safety
- Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services
- The Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET
- The National Association for the Education of Young Children
- The National Association for the Education of Young Children
- The State Medical Board of Ohio
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
Professional Licensure
Out-of-state students who are seeking a professional license program through online courses at Columbus State should first contact their home state licensing agency. Ohio license requirements may not apply in those states.
NC-SARA, which regulates interstate online education, does not cover license programs. NC-Sara Licensure Directory