The designation of Notice indicates that Pierpont is in compliance with all Higher Learning Commission accreditation standards, and meets Core Components 2.C, 3.C, 4.B, 4.C, 5.A, 5.B, and 5.C with concerns. While on Notice, the institution will be provided no more than two years to fully remedy the components identified for improvement.

Absolutely yes!

Following the extensive review of a site team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in October 2023, Pierpont Community and Technical College’s accreditation has been reaffirmed (meaning Pierpont is still fully accredited) and the institution has received an accreditation status of ‘Accredited – On Notice.’

Not at all! 

Pierpont’s accreditation was reaffirmed and the institution is still fully accredited. Therefore, your financial aid will continue as normal.

In most cases, other colleges and universities will continue to accept the institution’s credits in transfer or for admission to a higher degree program.

Please note: All colleges and universities define their own transfer and admission policies. Students interested in pursuing a higher degree or transferring should contact the college or university they plan to attend so that they are knowledgeable about the admission and transfer policies for that college or university.

No. Pierpont is still a fully accredited institution and any/all transcripts will reflect that status.

Pierpont remains committed to quality improvement and has taken or is taking significant strides to remedy concerns associated with the designation of Notice. These improvements include:

• Expanding its admissions, recruitment, and advising team
• Developing and implementing a plan for the assessment of general education
• Expanding and developing co-curricular learning activities
• Refining budgeting processes to create a more inclusive budgeting process
• Undertaking a “Zero-Based” budgeting process in AY24-25/FY26
• Developing a Strategic Financial Plan
• Establishing a positive trend line for its composite financial index
• Appointing an Interim Vice President of Student Services, who will lead enrollment, persistence, and retention strategies
• Recruiting a Director of Institutional Effectiveness, who is charged with the management of institutional data toward continuous improvement and institutional accreditation
• Finalizing and publishing a Strategic Alignment Plan that clearly articulates the vision, mission, values, and strategic goals for Pierpont across the four focal areas of People, Partners, Programs, and Performance

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

According the the Higher Learning Commission, accreditation provides current and potential students assurance that they are receiving a quality education which will be recognized as such by potential employers or licensing boards as well as by other colleges or universities in case of student transfers or pursuit of a higher degree. Also, employer-paid tuition reimbursement programs often require that employee participants enroll in accredited institutions.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education recognizes accreditation as a marker to allow the institution to disperse federal (Title IV) student financial aid.

Please refer all questions related to the topic of accreditation to Provost Dr. Michael Waide at academicaffairs@pierpont.edu.