Harold Washington College Orientation Guide

Accreditation is really a big deal, especially if you want to transfer to a 4-year college.  However, there are several types of accreditation.  They range from professional or specialized accreditation to regional accreditation granted by accrediting associations such as the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC/NCA).

Institutions of higher education accredited by the Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association accept credits in transfer from colleges and universities that are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the other five regional accrediting associations of colleges and schools:  Northeast Association (NEASC), Northwest Association (NWCCU), Southern Association (SACS), Western Association (WASC), New England Association (NEASC), and the Middle States Association (MSCHE)..

Harold Washington College (HWC) is such an institution.  It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association.  This accreditation means that the quality and content of courses taught at Harold Washington College meet nationally recognized standards, and four-year colleges and universities will accept transfer of credits from HWC. 

The same may not be said for institutions that are not regionally accredited.  This often leads to disappointment for students who never knew that the word “accreditation” means different things, depending on the type of accreditation.  To assure that your college credits can be transferred to a 4-year institution, you must first be certain that your institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or one of the other five regional accrediting associations.  Harold Washington College is such an institution.

Students at Harold Washington College can be secure in the knowledge that the credits they earn at Harold Washington College are transferable to other regionally accredited four-year colleges and universities.