Eligibility Process

An institution seeking accreditation through the Eligibility Process and candidacy will establish eligibility for a comprehensive evaluation for candidacy by completing the Eligibility Process and by receiving a determination at the conclusion of that process that the institution is ready to schedule and prepare for a comprehensive evaluation for candidacy. In the Eligibility Process, an institution seeking accreditation shall provide initial sufficient evidence in writing that it meets the Eligibility Requirements. The determination that an institution meets the Eligibility Requirements will take place during the comprehensive evaluation for candidacy.

An institution participating in the Eligibility Process does not hold status with HLC until granted candidacy and may not claim to hold status with HLC unless and until it is granted candidacy.

The Eligibility Process provides opportunities for HLC staff consultation and for review by Seeking Accreditation Reviewers to determine the institution’s readiness for a comprehensive evaluation for candidacy. Seeking Accreditation Reviewers review the written evidence put forward by an institution that it meets the Eligibility Requirements and determine whether the institution has provided sufficient evidence to proceed with a comprehensive evaluation for candidacy.

Seeking Accreditation Reviewers

The Board of Trustees will choose peer reviewers to serve as Seeking Accreditation Reviewers. Seeking Accreditation Reviewers will be specifically trained to conduct certain reviews of institutions that are seeking accreditation with HLC. Seeking Accreditation Reviewers will fill renewable four-year terms.

Policy History

Last Revised or Edited: June 2025
First Adopted: November 1998
History:* revised February 2003 (effective May 2003); revised February 2007; renumbered November 2010; revised November 2012 (policies combined, see note); revised June 2019; revised November 2020; edited February 2021; revised June 2021; revised November 2021; revised June 2025
Notes: Policies combined November 2012: 1.8, 1.8(a), 1.8(b), 1.8(c).

* In the history, “revised” indicates that the HLC Board of Trustees adopted changes to the policy, and “edited” indicates that HLC staff made technical amendments or minor editorial revisions that did not require formal Board approval.