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Accreditation

We Are STLCC. This Is Our Moment. 

Since 1966, St. Louis Community College has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This represents more than 60 years of commitment to quality education, student success and continuous improvement.

In spring 2028, we will welcome a team of peer reviewers from other colleges for our next comprehensive review. We will use the next two years to reflect on our work, celebrate our progress and chart what comes next for our students and community. 

View Our Accreditation Status

STLCC'S Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

Empowering students. Expanding minds. Changing lives.

Vision

St. Louis Community College will be a national leader and model institution for transformative education that strengthens the communities we serve through the success of our students.

Values

Students First: Everything we do supports student success and removes barriers. Respect for All: We promote respectful treatment and discourse in all interactions with students, each other and the community. Integrity: We act with honesty, trustworthiness and ethical behavior. Collaboration: Working collectively, we achieve more than working individually or within separate groups. Data Informed: We make decisions in the best interests of students and the institution based on reliable data.

 

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation is how colleges demonstrate they meet recognized standards for quality and effectiveness. For students, that means real, tangible benefits:

  • Your credential carries weight. Employers and other colleges respect degrees from accredited institutions.
  • You can access federal financial aid. Accreditation is a prerequisite for Pell Grants, federal loans and other aid programs.
  • Your credits travel with you. Accredited coursework is far more likely to transfer to other institutions.
  • Your college is accountable. Accreditation requires ongoing improvement, transparency and ethical operation.

Accreditation helps ensure your education at STLCC opens real doors to your future. 

 

Your Voice Matters 

Accreditation isn't something that happens to STLCC. It's something we build together. Students, employees, alumni and community members all have a role.

Over the next two years, look for opportunities to:

  • Participate in surveys and feedback sessions.
  • Attend campus forums and accreditation events.
  • Stay informed through updates and milestone celebrations.
  • Submit a third-party comment to HLC during the public comment period in early 2028.
  • Engage directly with HLC reviewers during the spring 2028 site visit.

Your perspective shapes STLCC's future. 

students in class

About the Higher Learning Commission

St. Louis Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The HLC evaluates colleges and universities across 19 states to ensure they provide high-quality educational experiences, operate ethically and prepare students for success.

Individuals may submit any complaints about STLCC directly to the Higher Learning Commission. 
 
Higher Learning Commission 
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 
Chicago, IL 60604 
800-621-7440 | hlcommission.org  

 

The Road to 2028 

Every 10 years, as part of the reaccreditation process, the faculty and staff at STLCC reflect on what's working, identify what can be stronger and show the Higher Learning Commission how we continue to deliver on our promise to students.

Here's how we'll get from today to our spring 2028 review. 

  • 2026 to 2027 - LISTENING AND PLANNING
    We gather feedback and stories from students, employees, alumni and community partners. Your voice shapes the story we tell. 
  • 2027 - DRAFTING AND DOCUMENTING
    Our teams write STLCC's assurance argument, a portfolio that shows the HLC how we meet each of the four criteria for accreditation. A public summary of our assurance argument will be available on this page in late 2027.
  • Fall 2027 - FINAL PREPARATION
    We refine our submission and prepare our campuses to welcome the review team.
  • Early 2028 - PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
    The HLC opens a window for students, families and community members to share feedback directly with reviewers. This is your chance to speak up, and we'll share exactly how to participate when the time comes. When the comment window opens, we'll post the HLC third-party comment link here.
  • Spring 2028 - PEER REVIEW VISIT
    Educators from other colleges visit STLCC, meet with our community and see our work firsthand.
  • Summer 2028 - DECISION AND NEXT CHAPTER
    The HLC announces the accreditation decision, and we begin planning what's next for STLCC and our students. 

 

Follow Our Progress

As we prepare for spring 2028, we'll share milestones, stories, data and ways to get involved. Together, we're demonstrating the impact STLCC has on students, employers and communities throughout the St. Louis region.
 
We Are STLCC. This Is Our Moment. 

 

Program-Level Accreditations 

In addition to institutional accreditation by the HLC, many STLCC programs hold specialized accreditations from recognized bodies.  

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