Institutions of higher education in the United States seek accreditation through two types of accreditation agencies, institutional and specialized or programmatic.

Historically regional accreditation agencies such as HLC are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit degree granting colleges and universities. Institutional accreditation validates the quality of an institution and evaluates multiple aspects of an institution ranging from its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources. Institutional accreditation encompasses the institution as a whole, including all academic programs, all degree levels and both onsite and online course delivery.

Institutions that HLC accredits are evaluated against its Criteria for Accreditation, a set of standards that institutions must meet to receive and/or maintain accredited status. HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation reflect a set of Guiding Values.

The accreditation process is based on a system of peer review. Approximately 2,000 educators from institutions of higher education serve as peer reviewers conducting accreditation evaluations for other institutions. Peer reviewers also serve on decision-making committees of the accreditation process.

Candidacy

An institution seeking accreditation with HLC must undergo a period of candidacy after proving that it meets HLC’s Eligibility Requirements. The candidacy period is at maximum four years. A candidate institution has met the HLC’s Eligibility Requirements and shows evidence that it is making progress toward meeting all the Criteria for Accreditation. Candidacy is not accredited status and does not guarantee eventual accreditation.

Evaluation Process

HLC accreditation assures quality by verifying that an institution (1) meets threshold requirements and (2) is engaged in continuous improvement. In addition, all institutions are required to submit data annually in the Institutional Update, undergo annual monitoring of financial and non-financial indicators, and adhere to HLC policies and practices, including the Assumed Practices and Obligations of Membership.

Peer reviewers trained in HLC’s standards evaluate member institutions' demonstration of whether they meet the Criteria for Accreditation and make recommendations to HLC’s decision-making bodies.

Decision-Making

HLC’s decision-making bodies evaluate and make decisions, called actions, on recommendations from peer review teams that review institutions for their compliance with HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements. The decision-making bodies are comprised of institutional representatives and public members. See Decision-Making Bodies and Processes for more information.

Public Information

HLC is committed to providing information to the public regarding accreditation decisions made regarding individual institutions. Actions that are taken by HLC regarding an institution’s accreditation status are disclosed to the public.

In cases of reaffirming continued accreditation, placing an institution on or reviewing a sanction, or withdrawing accreditation, the Action Letter issued to the institution is made available for viewing on the institution's Statement of Accreditation Status, found by searching the institution's name through HLC’s online directory.

Public Disclosure Notices (PDNs) are also issued and posted in the directory in cases of sanction, assigning or removing an institutional designation, resignation of accredition or candidacy, institutional closing, or withdrawal of accreditation by HLC. The PDN provides the public with the most applicable information from the posted Action Letter.

HLC decision-making outcomes also are summarized on HLC's Recent Institutional Actions webpage.

Complaints Against Institutions

HLC has a formal complaint process, consisting of an online complaint form for faculty, students and other parties to submit information regarding a member institution’s potential non-compliance with HLC requirements. HLC does not accept complaints through mail, email or over the phone. As stated in HLC policy, the complaint process is designed to enable HLC to review, in a timely and fair manner, information that suggests potential substantive non-compliance with an institution’s ability to meet HLC requirements.