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

The following degree and certificate programs may lead to professional licensure or certification in the State of Ohio: 

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography

  • Education

  • Nursing

  • Radiologic Technology

  • Social Work (BSW)

  • Respiratory Therapy

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 satisfies the applicable educational requirements for professional licensure or certification requirements in the State.   A student who enrolls in the program, and seeks employment in that State after completing the program, qualifies to take any licensure or certification exam that is needed for the student to practice or find employment in an occupation that the program prepares students to enter.

Effective July 1, 2024, students may enroll in Rio programs leading to licensure or certification only if the program meets the educational requirements in the state in which the student is located at the initial time of their enrollment.  If the program does not meet that state’s requirements, a student may still enroll in the program, but they must sign a document attesting that they plan to seek employment in a state where Rio meets the requirements.  Students may 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 meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification.