Through HLC's Pathways for Reaffirmation of Accreditation, accredited institutions complete periodic reviews on a 10-year cycle to ensure they continue to meet the Criteria for Accreditation and pursue institutional improvement. These reviews take place concurrently with HLC's regular oversight activities, such as the Institutional Update, substantive change requests, institutional monitoring and other processes.

There are currently two primary pathways: Standard and Open. An institution’s pathway is typically determined upon the completion of an institution’s current cycle, which is after reaffirmation of accreditation in Year 10. Institutions may choose their pathway at that time, unless they meet one or more of the conditions that would require placement on the Standard Pathway. An institution on the Open Pathway may also be moved to the Standard Pathway if any of these conditions arise during the cycle.