Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Columbia College has been accredited by the Higher Learning CommissionExternal link (HLC) since 1918. In the United States, colleges and universities voluntarily seek accreditation from nongovernmental bodies. Institutional accreditation is provided by HLC. An institutional accrediting agency evaluates an entire educational organization in terms of its mission and the agency's standards or criteria. HLC is one of six regional accrediting commissions and covers 19 states.

In March 2023, a peer review team from HLC visited the main campus to review Columbia College's petition for reaffirmation of accreditation. The peer review team recommended the maximum 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation. The college's next HLC reaffirmation of accreditation is scheduled for 2032-2033.

Academic program accreditation

• Associate in Science in Nursing: Columbia College program is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. This nursing education program is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Columbia College program holds initial approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Columbia College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education External link Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) (Online): The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Columbia College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education External link, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
• Education Programs: Columbia College is approved for teacher preparation by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for its education programs.
• Robert Plaster Business School is a Candidate for Accreditation with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, 11520 West 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213, (913) 339-9356.

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