What is the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)?

The Higher Learning Commission is Blue Ridge CTC’s accrediting body.  In short, its purpose is to ensure the quality of our institution and program offerings.

 What is accreditation?

Accreditation provides assurance that an institution has been found to meet, and will continue to meet, stated requirements and criteria. Accreditation also allows the institution to self-reflect towards continuous improvement.

Why is accreditation important to me?

Only accredited institutions are eligible to receive federal funds for higher education, including student financial aid. Accreditation also ensures students the ability to transfer credits between accredited schools.

• Quality Education
  • Accreditation assures academic program quality through accountability to external standards
• Financial Aid
  • Accreditation enables us to maintain our eligibility to receive federal funds for student financial aid
• Credit Transfer
  • Accreditation is an important factor when a college or university is deciding whether to accept transfer credit from a student’s previous school. Most colleges and universities will not accept transferred course credits from an institution that has not earned appropriate accreditation status from an accreditation organization.
• Success in the Workplace
  • Most employers prefer to hire job applicants who have gained their education from a college or university with the appropriate accreditation status. It is also common for states to require that a college, university, or program be accredited when allowing students to acquire state professional licensure.