HILLSBORO — Jefferson College has earned initial accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), the nation’s leading accrediting organization for concurrent and dual credit enrollment programs.
The accreditation recognizes Jefferson College’s Early College Program for meeting NACEP’s rigorous national standards for academic quality, faculty oversight, student support, and program evaluation. Jefferson College is one of only ten institutions nationwide to receive initial accreditation during the 2025-2026 review cycle. NACEP accreditation is considered the gold standard for concurrent enrollment programs, ensuring that students who earn college credit while in high school receive the same academic experience, rigor, and support as students enrolled on a college campus.
“This accreditation represents years of intentional work by our Early College team, faculty, and school district partners to ensure that students truly receive a college-level education while still in high school,” said Dr. Chris DeGeare, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Jefferson College. “This recognition affirms the quality and integrity of our dual credit program and demonstrates our commitment to providing rigorous, accessible pathways to college success. I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement, and I am proud that Jefferson College students and partner schools can point to this accreditation as evidence of the excellence of our Early College program.”
As the only national accrediting body dedicated exclusively to concurrent enrollment partnerships, NACEP evaluates programs based on 16 standards covering curriculum, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, assessment practices, and institutional support. To achieve accreditation, Jefferson College completed an extensive self-study and underwent a comprehensive peer-review process conducted by representatives from accredited programs and members of the NACEP Accreditation Commission.
Jefferson College’s Early College Program provides high school students throughout the region with opportunities to earn transferable college credit before graduating from high school, helping students reduce the cost of higher education, accelerate degree completion, and gain confidence in their ability to succeed in college-level coursework.
“Jefferson College’s achievement of NACEP accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the exceptional quality of its dual credit program. Our students benefit from rigorous college-level coursework, outstanding support, and meaningful opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school. This national recognition reinforces the value of our partnership and our confidence in Jefferson College’s commitment to student success,” said Melissa Hildebrand, Associate Superintendent – Curriculum/Assessments for the Hillsboro R-3 School District.
Local districts are able to offer high-quality early college coursework for their students through partnership with Jefferson College. The accreditation is valid for five years and reflects Jefferson College’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and student success.
“NACEP accreditation proudly confirms what our district has long recognized—Jefferson College offers one of the finest dual credit experiences available to high school students anywhere,” said Dr. Joe Willis, Assistant Superintendent of the Dunklin R-5 School District. “Through exceptional partnerships, outstanding academic rigor, and an unwavering commitment to student success, the program gives students a powerful head start toward their college and career goals. We are absolutely delighted to celebrate this prestigious national recognition and wholeheartedly congratulate Jefferson College on this well-deserved achievement.”
Founded in 1973, NACEP supports nearly 600 colleges, universities, school districts, and state agencies nationwide. The organization promotes quality dual credit and concurrent enrollment programming through national standards, accreditation, professional development, and advocacy.
For more information about Jefferson College’s Early College Program, visit jeffco.edu/early-college/.
About Jefferson College
With locations in Hillsboro and Arnold, Missouri, Jefferson College offers five associate degree programs in four schools of learning with nearly 50 programs of study, as well as Workforce Training, Adult Education, Early College, an Area Technical School for high school students and certification programs in high-demand career fields. Since its first commencement ceremony in 1966, the college has celebrated approximately 30,000 graduates and maintains a 98 percent job placement rate. Learn more about Jefferson College on our website www.jeffco.edu.