All institutions accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) must meet the four criteria for accreditation. These criteria emphasize continuous improvement and assessment of student learning. Each criterion outlined below is composed of several "core components"; refer to the HLC's website for full details on the criteria and core components.
HLC Criteria for Accreditation:
1. Mission
The institution’s mission is clear and articulated publicly; it guides the institution’s operations.
2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct
In fulfilling its mission, the institution acts with integrity; its conduct is ethical and responsible.
3. Teaching and Learning for Student Success
The institution demonstrates responsibility for the quality of its educational programs, learning environments and support services, and it evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. The rigor and quality of each educational program is consistent regardless of modality, location or other differentiating factors.
4. Sustainability: Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning
The institution’s resources, structures, policies, procedures and planning enable it to fulfill its mission, improve the quality of its educational programs, and respond to future challenges and opportunities.
Guiding Values
One of the primary guiding values for the current accreditation criteria is a focus on student learning and success.
As clarifying modifications are considered by the HLC board annually, please refer to the HLC's Policy on Criteria for Accreditation for the most up to date version.