Public Disclosure:
Kansas City Kansas Community College status changed
from “Accredited” to “Accredited – On Probation”
Effective: November 5, 2020

Kansas City Kansas Community College status changed from “Accredited” to “Accredited – On Probation” Effective: November 5, 2020

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has placed Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, Kansas, on Probation. HLC took this action because it determined that the institution is out of compliance with HLC's Criteria for Accreditation.

The period of Probation is not more than two years. While on Probation, the institution remains accredited, and it has the opportunity to remedy the issues that led to the sanction.

What This Means for Students

In most cases, other colleges and universities will continue to accept the institution’s credits in transfer or for admission to a higher degree program. All colleges and universities define their own transfer and admission policies. Students interested in pursuing a higher degree or transferring should contact the institution they plan to attend so that they are knowledgeable about the admission policies for that college or university.

Noted Criteria for Accreditation

HLC concluded that the institution is out of compliance with the following HLC Criteria for Accreditation:

  • Criterion Four, Core Component 4.A, “the institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs”
  • Criterion Four, Core Component 4.B, “the institution demonstrates a commitment to educational achievement and improvement through ongoing assessment of student learning”

 HLC concluded that the institution meets, but with concerns, the following HLC Criteria for Accreditation:

  • Criterion Three, Core Component 3.A, “the institution’s degree programs are appropriate to higher education,”
  • Criterion Five, Core Component 5.C, “the institution engages in systematic and integrated planning”
  • Criterion Five, Core Component 5.D, “the institution works systematically to improve its performance”

Next Steps

The institution is required to provide evidence that it has addressed the issues that led to the sanction, no later February 1, 2022 in preparation for HLC’s on-site evaluation no later than April 2022. In November 2022, the HLC Board of Trustees will determine whether the institution has demonstrated that it is in compliance with the Criteria for Accreditation and whether Probation can be removed.

About the Higher Learning Commission

The Higher Learning Commission accredits approximately 1,000 colleges and universities that have a home base in one of 19 states that stretch from West Virginia to Arizona. HLC is a private, nonprofit accrediting agency. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Questions? Contact info@hlcommission.org or call 312.263.0456.