Accreditation and Recognition

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation, Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Recognition 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.

Joliet Junior College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).  The Illinois Community College System is coordinated by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) comprised of citizens appointed by the Governor. 

Reaffirmation of Accreditation Letter

Joliet Junior College's next reaffirmation of accreditation will be 2022-2023.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Institutional Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the north central region. The Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) is one of several pathways leading to accreditation with HLC.  AQIP differs from other pathways in that it is premised on principles of continuous quality improvement and affirming the institution's accredited status.

Systems Portfolio

Systems Appraisal

Action Projects

Current:

Completed:

Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) State Recognition

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.” This means the college generally meets ICCB standards.

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.