Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Pittsburgh Technical College is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) www.msche.org. Pittsburgh Technical College’s accreditation status is non-compliance probation. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on March 14, 2024, was to place the college on probationary status until it is reaffirmed. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
FAQ
Q: Is PTC still accredited?
A: Yes, PTC remains an accredited institution throughout the probationary period. The
College is actively working in coordination with MSCHE to respond to all requests for
information.
Q: What does probation mean?
A: Probation status indicates that there is insufficient evidence that an institution is in compliance with certain accreditation standards.
We are working in partnership with Middle States to substantiate PTC’s compliance with
the two accreditation standards identified as non-compliant and a third that requires
additional information. PTC will prepare a detailed and complete response that fully
complies with all requests.
Accreditation Actions Procedures
IV.B. The Commission may place an institution on probation or may continue probation and note that the institution’s accreditation is in jeopardy when, in the Commission’s judgment, the institution does not appear to be in compliance with one or more Commission standards for accreditation, requirements of affiliation, policies and procedures, or applicable federal regulatory requirements, and there is evidence that the non-compliance is sufficiently serious, extensive or substantial that it raises concern about one or more of the following:
- The quality of the student learning experience provided by the institution;
- The institution’s capacity to make appropriate improvements within a short period of time;
- The institution’s capacity to sustain itself in the long term such that a teach-out plan is required; or
- Information collected through the Commission’s monitoring activities suggests that there are serious concerns related to student achievement, viability and capacity, or financial health.
Q: Has PTC ever been on probation?
A: No. In 2012, the College submitted a progress report to the Middles States Commission on Higher Education, but was not placed on probation.
Q: How long does this probation last?
A: PTC’s probation status will be reviewed after the College submits the requested
information to MSCHE, which is due no later than May 1, 2024.
Accreditation Actions Procedures
IV.C. The following procedures apply to both warning and probation.
- While the initial non-compliance period is 36 months, the Commission retains the authority to take any action at any point during this period of time. A sequence of action is not required (e.g., warning need not precede probation; the next action following warning may be show cause).
- An institution placed on warning or probation will prepare one or more monitoring reports on a schedule set by the Commission. The schedule of reporting will be determined by the Commission and will be based on the nature and complexity of the areas of non-compliance, and the stated mission and educational objectives of the institution in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR 602.20(a)(2).
Q: Does this affect my degree if I have already graduated, or if I graduate while PTC
is on probation?
A: No, this does not affect the awarding or recognition of degrees for past, present or
future students.
Q: Is PTC closing?
A: No. As we continue to overcome past challenges, PTC is committed to ensuring that
PTC is stable and sustainable long-term. We continue to look at options to strengthen our
mission, programs, and services, for the success of current and future students.
Q: Does this affect my financial aid?
A: No, this probation status does not change the financial aid process at PTC. Students
can still apply for and receive financial aid.
Q: What is the plan to get off probation?
A: The College is actively working to address compliance questions, including outlining
our planning and policies related to accreditation status.
Q: Is PTC preparing a teach out plan?
A: Per standard protocol, PTC maintains an up to date Teach Out Plan with the
Pennsylvania Department of Education. This is done to protect and support our students.
PTC will continue to submit as requested this and all respective agreements to MSCHE,
per request.
While this is not the desired outcome, we are prepared for all scenarios, and are
committed to making decisions in the best interest of the students, the College
community, and the region in-order to fulfill our mission to be fuel economic development,
by providing a pipeline to Middle Skill Careers as an Educator of Choice to train the next
generation of workers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond, for many years to come.
Click here to read the full memo from President Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith to the PTC community.