Accreditation Cycles and Processes
Seeking Initial Accreditation
Colleges and universities in the United States may be eligible to seek accreditation with HLC. We offer two routes to achieving accreditation:
Eligibility Process and Candidacy
For degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States that meet HLC’s Eligibility Requirements.
Accelerated Process for Initial Accreditation
For eligible institutions that are accredited by certain recognized accreditors and meet other requirements.
Standard and Open Pathways
Through the Standard and Open Pathways for Reaffirmation of Accreditation, accredited institutions complete periodic reviews on a 10-year cycle to ensure they continue to meet HLC requirements and pursue institutional improvement.
Accreditation Processes
HLC conducts an annual survey on the organizational health of accredited and candidate institutions.
Member institutions notify HLC or obtain prior HLC approval for certain changes to their educational programs or operations.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Comprehensive evaluations take place throughout an institution’s relationship with HLC: when seeking candidacy or initial accreditation, at regular points during each Pathway cycle, and if the institution is placed on Probation or Show-Cause.
Assurance Review
A component of comprehensive evaluations and a stand-alone review in Year 4 of the Open Pathway. Institutions submit an Assurance Filing demonstrating that they meet the Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements.
Institutions on the Open Pathway design and implement a project to improve an aspect of their organization, or to pursue a strategic initiative.
HLC evaluates additional locations and branch campuses to ensure they offer the same educational quality and services as an institution’s main campus.
HLC analyzes data collected in the Institutional Update to identify if an institution may be at risk of not meeting HLC requirements.
If HLC identifies an issue of concern at an accredited institution, the institution may need to complete a monitoring report or host a campus visit by peer reviewers.
In certain situations – closing a campus or location, ending a program, or other scenarios – an institution will provide plans for ensuring students can complete their education.
Institutions notify HLC about certain actions taken by the U.S. Department of Education, state agencies or other recognized accreditors.
If an institution is out of compliance, or at risk of being out of compliance, with HLC requirements, it may be placed on Notice or Probation, issued a Show-Cause Order, or have its HLC status withdrawn or denied.
An institution may voluntarily resign its accreditation or candidacy, or voluntarily withdraw from seeking membership with HLC, at any time.
Decision Making
Each institutional review concludes with a multi-step decision-making process that prioritizes due process and transparency for our members, their students and other stakeholders.
Systems and Resources
- HLC’s Online Systems: Use our online platforms, including Canopy and the Assurance System, to manage your accreditation relationship.
- Documents and Forms: Explore our index of process materials for institutions.
- Training Resources: Browse upcoming events and resources on HLC policy and processes
Related Resources
