Northern gained candidacy status in 1975, and full accreditation status in 1982. While
expanding both its mission and its services, Northern undertook candidacy for accreditation
with the HLC. The Technical-Vocational School had already been granted candidacy for
accreditation (1977-1982). Accreditation by the HLC for Northern as a community college
was officially declared on 20 March 1982; reaffirmation of accreditation was granted
1987, and again for ten years in 1994. Since then, Northern has obtained accreditation
for programs from Engineering to Nursing.
In 2001, we joined the HLC's Academic Quality Improvement Program. In 2017, we joined
HLC's Open Pathways. Northern is up for Reaffirmation of Accrediation in 2025.
In addition to regional accreditation, Northern’s educational offerings are accredited
or approved by other agencies.