North Idaho College retained its accreditation in July 2023 but remained under the show cause sanction, giving the Coeur d’Alene community college up to one more year to address governance problems on its Board of Trustees.

The NWCCU’s decision was described by NIC as a ‘neutral decision.’ Students could still transfer credits and receive financial aid, but the college remained one step from losing accreditation entirely.

The accreditor acknowledged progress on some issues but stated the board had not yet demonstrated ‘an effective governance structure’ and lacked ‘a functioning governing board responsible for the quality and integrity of the institution.’

NIC’s 4,000 students, its ability to grant valid degrees, and its access to state and federal funding all remained tied to resolving the accreditation crisis. Community colleges like NIC derive most of their budgets from local property taxes and student tuition, but also collect state funding. NIC received approximately $15.2 million from state tax coffers in 2023-24.