Accreditation and Recognition

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation, Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Recognition, National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, and Specialized Program Accreditation

There are two basic types of educational accreditation, one is “institutional” and the other is “specialized” or “programmatic.”

  • Institutional Accreditation normally applies to an entire institution. JJC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a nationally recognized accreditor.
  • Specialized/Programmatic Accreditation normally applies to the evaluation of a program or a departments within the institution.  A number of JJC's career and technical programs are accredited by national professional associations and organizations. This ensures the education students receive meets employer standards.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Institutional Accreditation

Joliet Junior College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary institutions in the United States. HLC is an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole.

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413
Phone: 800.621.7440 / 312.263.0456 . Fax: 312.263.7462 . info@hlcommission.org

Reaffirmation of Accreditation Letter (PDF)

Joliet Junior College's next reaffirmation of accreditation will be 2023-2024.

Comprehensive Quality Review

Systems Portfolio

Systems Appraisal

Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) State Recognition

The Illinois Community College System is coordinated by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) comprised of citizens appointed by the Governor. Recognition is a statutory term describing the status of a district which meets instructional, administrative, financial, facility, and equipment standards as established by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) (Section 805/2-12f and 805/2-15). Community colleges must be recognized to be eligible for state funding. Based on a five-year cycle, ICCB staff conducts recognition evaluations to assure that colleges are in compliance with these standards. All colleges are evaluated on a select number of standards during the same five-year cycle.

JJC’s current recognition status is “Recognition Continued (PDF).” This means the college generally meets ICCB standards.

SARA LogoNational Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

The Joliet Junior College Distance Education program has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Specialized Program Accreditation

Specialized accreditation, also called program accreditation, indicates a program of study maintains standards requisite for its graduates to achieve credentials in the field.

Program Accreditor Expiration Date
Accounting ACBSP 2028
Automotive Service Technology ASE May 1, 2025
Culinary Arts ACFEF Dec. 31, 2029
Diagnostic Medical Sonography-Abdominal-Extended CAAHEP 2027
Diagnostic Medical Sonography-Obstetrics and Gynecology CAAHEP 2027
Diagnostic Medical Sonography-Vascular CAAHEP 2027
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) CAAHEP 2024
Health Information Management Technology (HIMT) CAHIM 2030
Horticultural Studies NALP 2026
Music NASM 2027-2028 Academic Year
OPT CAHEEP/NCOPE Does Not Expire
Nursing ACEN Spring 2025
Respiratory Care CoArc  
Veterinary Medical Technology AVMA 2024