Begin Your Accreditation Journey
HLC is a leading institutional accreditor of colleges and universities in the United States. Our members benefit from our rigorous standards of quality, personalized support, expert consultation, and engaging programs and events. We welcome institutions that are interested in joining our membership — learn more below and start your accreditation journey with us today.
Benefits of HLC Accreditation
Mission-Centered Quality Standards
Institutions are able to reflect their unique missions in demonstrating how they meet our standards.
Streamlined Processes
HLC’s Canopy system allows members to easily manage their accreditation and stay informed about upcoming reviews.
Customized Support
Each member institution is assigned a staff liaison, who provides support and guidance on our policy and processes.
Expert Peer Reviewers
Your institution will be evaluated by peers who understand your mission and goals and can provide actionable guidance.
Learning Opportunities
We offer virtual and in-person events covering assessment, strategy, leadership, HLC processes, and more.
Advocacy and Leadership
HLC convenes institutions, field experts, government officials, and others to find solutions to the challenges facing our members.
Colleges and Universities That Are Eligible
HLC accredits higher education institutions in the United States. To confirm your institution is eligible for HLC accreditation, review our full list of requirements.
Two Routes to Accreditation
HLC offers two possible processes for institutions to seek accreditation, depending on an institution’s accreditation standing and history. In both processes, institutions are evaluated at multiple points to determine that they meet HLC’s quality standards and other requirements.
Eligibility Process and Candidacy
Most new member institutions achieve candidacy through this process, which includes a period of Candidacy prior to accreditation. During that time—typically 2–4 years—the institution works to demonstrate that it meets HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements.
Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation
An institution may be eligible for the accelerated process if it is currently accredited by and in good standing with either of the following:
Institutions in this process do not serve a period of Candidacy and may be able to achieve HLC accreditation within two years.
HLC Requirements
Institutions accredited by HLC are committed to meeting our quality standards and other membership requirements.
The HLC requirements include:
Once an institution begins the process of seeking accreditation, it also commits to follow HLC’s Obligations of Membership.
Get Started
Connect With HLC
Contact Us. Pursuing accreditation is a serious commitment. We are here to help you understand our processes and make the best decision for your institution — reach out today.
Subscribe. Sign up for our Leaflet newsletter or notifications about programs and events.
Get Involved. Attend Higher Learning, HLC’s annual conference. The event features a pre-conference Seeking Accreditation Workshop for institutions interested in HLC membership.
Apply for HLC Membership
Once you’ve decided that HLC is the best fit for your institution, take the next step toward seeking accreditation.
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