Accreditation
Destination Accreditation
Scottsdale Community College is a regionally-accredited institution through the Higher Learning Commission. In January, 2017, SCC successfully completed the HLC’s Open Pathway Reaffirmation of Accreditation process. The college is currently pursuing its next 10-year Reaffirmation of Accreditation process during 2026-2027.
HLC Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
- HLC = Higher Learning Commission
- HLC is our regional accrediting body and ensures we’re meeting standards for quality education
- Accreditation is how we stay eligible for federal financial aid, transferability, and credibility
- Accreditation is like a stamp of quality, and it tells the world: We know what we’re doing.
A key part of SCC’s accreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the Assurance Argument—a comprehensive self-study report that demonstrates how SCC meets the HLC’s five Criteria for Accreditation. This detailed, 35,000-word document is developed collaboratively with input from faculty, staff, and leadership, and is backed by hundreds of evidence files that illustrate how we fulfill HLC expectations.
Before visiting our campus, the HLC peer review team will carefully review SCC’s Assurance Argument. Then, during a two-day site visit, the team will meet with a wide range of SCC community members—including administrators, faculty, and staff—to verify the information we’ve submitted, gather additional evidence, and explore any areas needing clarification. After the visit, the team will compile a report summarizing their findings and making recommendations about SCC’s accreditation status. Once we receive the draft report, SCC will have the opportunity to correct any factual inaccuracies and respond before the final decision is made.
The final decision on SCC’s accreditation status is made by the HLC Institutional Actions Council (IAC). The IAC reviews the peer review team’s report along with SCC’s feedback, then makes an official determination.
November 16-17, 2026
