HLC Recognition by External Agencies
U.S. Department of Education
By law, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) relies in part on accrediting agencies to determine eligibility for U.S. government programs under certain legislation. USDE oversees a recognition process by which it identifies reliable authorities on the quality of educational organizations and programs. HLC is recognized by USDE as an institutional accreditor. Under federal law, HLC seeks renewal of its USDE recognition at least every five years.
To be recognized by USDE, HLC must agree to do certain things required by law and the USDE. These include holding to a schedule of reporting accreditation actions and other information to the USDE and to state agencies, having standards in certain areas, and reviewing certain aspects of an institution’s relationship with USDE.
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is a private nonprofit organization that coordinates accreditation activities in the United States. CHEA represents degree-granting colleges and universities as well as institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations. CHEA also provides information about accreditation, degree mills and accreditation mills. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by CHEA as an institutional accreditor. In accordance with CHEA policy, HLC seeks renewal of its CHEA recognition at least every seven years.
HLC’s Continued Recognition with CHEA: On July 31, 2024, HLC submitted its application for continued recognition with CHEA. HLC was last recognized by CHEA in 2015.
HLC is currently scheduled to appear before the CHEA Board of Directors Committee on Recognition on November 12, 2024. Following this meeting of the Committee, the CHEA Board of Directors is tentatively scheduled to take action on HLC’s application for continued recognition in January 2025. For additional information, see CHEA’s Schedule for Recognition Review of Accrediting Organizations and Call for Third-Party Comment.
