Neosho County Community College (NCCC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commision (HLC) and traces its beginnings to Chanute Junior College, established in 1936 so that graduates of Chanute High School as well as other area high schools could attend college close to home. Chanute Junior College operated as a part of the public school system and was governed by the Chanute Board of Education until July 1, 1965. In 1961, State legislation provided the means for the college to become a countywide community junior college, and on July 1, 1965, Chanute Junior College became Neosho County Community Junior College, an institution with its own governing Board of Trustees.