RCTC is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S.
As stated by HLC, “Regional accreditation validates the quality of an institution as a whole and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution ranging from its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources.”
The HLC has three “pathways” an institution can follow to demonstrate institutional quality. All pathways require institutions to show that they meet the Criteria for Accreditation.
Accreditation History
- Community/Junior College initial accreditation with Higher Learning Commission (formerly North Central Association) – 1923
- Technical College initial accreditation with candidacy status from Higher Learning Commission (formerly North Central Association) – 1993
Reaffirmation Timeline
- Most recent reaffirmation of accreditation: 2016-2017
- Comprehensive Evaluation: November 9, 2020
- Next reaffirmation of accreditation: 2026-2027
RCTC also holds occupationally specific accreditation in a number of its programs.
What Accreditation Means to You
When you attend an accredited college or university, you can expect:
- A Quality Education: Accreditation means that the institution meets standards of quality for faculty, curriculum, administration, library, financial management and student services.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: You can only obtain federal financial assistance if the institution has appropriate accreditation from an organization recognized by the United States Department of Education.
- Credits that Transfer: If you ever want to transfer your college credits to continue your education, accreditation is an important factor when a college or university is deciding whether to accept transfer credits from your previous school.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404-975-5000 - Accredited Review Council on Education in Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants (ARC/STSA)
19751 E. Main Street, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
303-694-9262 - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4360
800-248-2862 - ASE Education Foundation
1503 Edwards Ferry Road, Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-669-6650 or 703-669-6677 - Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
200 East Randolph Stree, Ste. 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
312-235-3255 - Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
9355 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
727-210-2350 - Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611-2678
800-621-8099 or 312-440-4653 - Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training
1600 University Avenue, Suite 200
St. Paul, Minnesota 55104-3825
651-643-3060 - National Cancer Registrars Association, Inc. (NCRA)
1330 Braddock Place, Suite 520 Alexandria, VA 22314
703-299-6640