This application initiates the formal process of seeking membership with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), either through the Eligibility Process or Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation.

Before completing this application, institutions should review HLC's information on the Eligibility Process and the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation in order to understand the qualifications and requirements for each process, as well as the information, documentation and fees that are required to be provided and submitted with this application.

Institutions that are exploring pursuing membership with HLC but are not yet ready to submit this application are invited to complete the inquiry form in order to initiate more preliminary conversations with HLC staff.

Application Fee

An application fee is required at the time of the submission of this application. An institution’s application will not be considered until the application fee is provided.  See HLC’s Dues and Fees Schedule for more information.

Payment may be made in one of three ways:

• Mail a check to:
  Higher Learning Commission
  P.O. Box 735331
  Chicago, IL 60673-5331
• Contact finance@hlcommission.org or 312.881.8119 for instructions on submitting a wire/ACH payment.
• If the institution requires an invoice to initiate payment, contact seekingaccreditation@hlcommission.org.

For institutions successful in proceeding with the Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation through preliminary peer review, this application fee will be credited toward the institution’s fee for the comprehensive evaluation for initial accreditation.    

Once the completed application and fee are received, an HLC staff member will contact the institution to discuss next steps.

All questions are required.

Person Submitting This Application