HLC has published a new report that examines how the Criteria for Accreditation were applied in all comprehensive evaluations that received a final decision during Academic Years 2021 through 2025.  

The report provides an overview of how HLC institutions have met the Criteria for Accreditation, identifies trends across the different comprehensive evaluation types and institutional contexts, and discusses continuity among HLC’s decision-making bodies. Some takeaways from the analysis include:   

• Outcomes demonstrating a high degree of institutions meeting the HLC Criteria for Accreditation during this five-year period. Of all the evaluations completed during this period, nearly 95% met all Criteria.  
• Core Component 4.B. (Assessment of Student Learning) was consistently the most cited Core Component during this time period. Other frequently cited core components include Core Components 5.B. and 5.C. 
• During 2025, several Core Components were all “met” and not a single Core Component received a “not met” rating.  
• Trends of HLC’s decision-making bodies illustrate a consistency in applying the Criteria for Accreditation between the two bodies as well as consistency with peer review team findings. 

In the spirit of continuous improvement, HLC’s policies require the Criteria for Accreditation to be reviewed and revised as needed at least every five years. The data in this report helped inform the improvements implemented in the current Criteria for Accreditation, effective September 1, 2025.