Reapplication Following a Denial or Withdrawal of Status

An institution denied candidacy must wait one year before reapplying. This period of time may be shortened by action of the Board of Trustees. 

An institution denied initial accreditation following a period of candidacy must wait two years before reapplying. This period of time may be shortened by action of the Board of Trustees. 

An institution denied initial accreditation following participation in the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation must wait the time period as specified in HLC’s policies regarding the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation. 

When accreditation or candidacy is withdrawn by action of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Trustees will not consider an application for initial accreditation or candidacy from the same institution until a period of at least two years has elapsed following the date the withdrawal action became effective. This period of time may be shortened by action of the Board of Trustees. 

Policy History

Last Revised or Edited: June 2021
First Adopted: January 1983
History:* revised November 2012 (policies combined, see note); edited February 2021; revised June 2021
Notes: Policies combined November 2012: 2.6(a), 2.6(b), 2.6(c).

* In the history, “revised” indicates that the HLC Board of Trustees adopted changes to the policy, and “edited” indicates that HLC staff made technical amendments or minor editorial revisions that did not require formal Board approval.