HLC has published updated substantive change materials for the 2025–26 academic year. The updates this year include: 

• New questions about consortial arrangements in screening forms and applications related to educational programs. If the program in question will be offered through a consortial arrangement, HLC asks institutions to provide a brief description of the arrangement. These questions have been added to: 
  • New Degree Program Screening Form 
  • Certificate Program Application 
  • Competency-Based Education Program Application 
  • New Educational Program Application 
  • Pell-Eligible Prison Education Program Application 
  • Reduced-Credit Bachelor’s Degree Program Application 
• Expanded questions in the Pell-Eligible Prison Education Program Application regarding how the institution will deliver, support and manage student support services. 
• A new question in the Competency-Based Education Program Application regarding how the proposed program fits into the institution’s financial picture. Institutions are now required to submit a three-year budget projection for the proposed program. These changes are consistent with existing questions in the New Educational Program Application. 
• HLC Glossary definitions related to competency-based education programs: 
  • Competency-based education 
  • Direct assessment competency-based education program 
  • Credit-based competency-based education program 
  • Hybrid competency-based education program 

See Substantive Change for additional information about HLC’s requirements and processes. 

Questions? 

Contact HLC at [email protected].