1. About Rio
  2. Accreditation

Accreditation

Overview

When an institution is accredited, it ensures you are receiving a quality education that meets high compliance standards. HLC accreditation also makes Rio eligible for Federal student aid. 

The University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an independent corporation founded in 1895. It is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States.

URG/RGCC was awarded accreditation in 1969 and reaffirmed in 2017-2018. 

The Ohio Department of Higher Education approves all of Rio Grande’s programs and authorizes it to offer Associate, Bachelors, and Masters degrees.

Individual programs are accredited/approved by the following:

The University of Rio Grande is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of Ohio and The Council of Independent Colleges. Rio Grande Community College is a member of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges.

 

SARA Seal
The University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Some of Rio Grande’s degree and certificate programs may lead to professional licensure or certification in the State of Ohio. As requirements for licensure and/or certification vary from state to state, the US Department of Education requires each Institution of Higher Education that offers a program that leads to professional licensure and/or certification to disclose to current and prospective students a list of all states for which the institution:

  1. Has determined that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification;
  2. Has determined that its curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification; and
  3. Has not made a determination that its curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification.

 

Students who plan to move or return to a state other than Ohio after completing their program at Rio should review the professional licensure requirements by consulting with the licensing board for that state. Students may also contact the director of the program for which they are interested to get further information.

Click on the program links below to get information about which states Rio has determined its programs meet, do not meet, or has not determined if it meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification.