Accreditation
Elgin Community College has had multiple successful accreditation reviews during its 75-year history. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) conducts comprehensive reviews every 10 years and interim reviews every 4 or 6 years. Our most recent comprehensive review was held in 2015, and our most recent interim review was held in 2019. Our next comprehensive review will occur in the academic year 2025 until 2026. Elgin Community College was awarded its first full accreditation in 1968 from the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools less than two years after being granted an Illinois Class I Community College status in 1966.
ECC has also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This certificate is the highest rating awarded in governmental accounting and financial reporting. ECC has received this award each year since 2004.
ECC is formally recognized as meeting instructional, administrative, financial, facility, and equipment standards established by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). Recognition reviews occur every five years by state statute to ensure colleges meet these standards. ECC received its most recent recognition certificate in 2023 and will undergo its next state review in 2028.
Finally, several ECC career programs meet the accrediting standards of their professional organizations. The most up-to-date list of accredited programs can be found in the College Catalog.