Number: INST.B.40.010

Member institutions, and those applying for membership, shall pay dues and fees when required by HLC’s Dues and Fees Schedule. HLC institutional fees and annual dues shall be due on receipt of the billing.

Refunds

Dues are not refundable whether the Board of Trustees withdraws the institution’s status, the institution voluntarily resigns, or the institution ceases to operate.

When a team visit is canceled or postponed at the institution’s initiative before the scheduled date, HLC will refund all fees paid for that evaluation less expenses incurred.

HLC will retain all fees received from an institution which withdraws from the process after the on-site visit. If HLC staff cancels the visit, the institution will receive a full refund.

Non-payment of Dues and Fees

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to withdraw the status of an institution which, after due notice, does not pay its dues or fees.

Debts to HLC

Neither withdrawal of status by the Board of Trustees nor voluntary resignation shall cancel any debts owed to HLC by an institution. Unless exempted by the Board of Trustees, an institution seeking membership with HLC must pay in full any debts it might have previously incurred with HLC.

Policy History

Last Revised: June 2021
First Adopted: February 1990
Revision History: October 2003, November 2020, June 2021
Notes: Policies combined November 2012 – 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4. In February 2021, references to the Higher Learning Commission as “the Commission” were replaced with the term “HLC.” Policy renumbered in June 2023 (former policy number INST.B.30.030).