Accreditation & Recognition

Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and by other nationally recognized agencies provides assurance to the public, in particular to prospective students, that an institution has been found to meet the agency's clearly stated requirements and criteria and that there are reasonable grounds for believing that it will continue to meet them. Through the accreditation process, multiple aspects of an institution are evaluated, such as:

• Academic Offerings
• Governance & Administration
• Mission
• Finances
• Resources

Accreditation provides both public certification of acceptable institutional quality and an opportunity and incentive for self-improvement in the accredited institution. The Higher Learning Commission reaches the conclusion that a college or university meets the Criteria only after the institution opens itself to outside examination by experienced evaluators familiar with accrediting requirements and with higher education. The process of accreditation provides the accredited institution with an opportunity for critical self-analysis leading to improvement in quality and for consultation and advice from persons from other institutions.

Students depend on Rock Valley College’s accreditation to receive financial aid.  The U.S. Department of Education recognizes accreditors, like the Higher Learning Commission, as a gatekeeper agency, when determining eligibility for student aid.

Students depend on RVC’s accreditation for their credits to transfer to 4-year colleges and universities.  Most colleges and universities require that the credits they accept in transfer be earned at an accredited institution. This is one of many requirements that an institution may have regarding transfer, and accreditation alone does not guarantee transfer of credits.  Students interested in transferring should find out about the transfer policies of the college or university to which they are interested in transferring. For more information about transferring credits to a specific college or university, please meet with your academic advisor.  

Accreditation provides current and potential students assurance that they are receiving a quality education which will be recognized by potential employers or licensing boards. Without it, access to professional licensure opportunities could be limited. 

Also, employer-paid tuition reimbursement programs often require that employee participants enroll in accredited institutions.