Federal Compliance Requirements

An institution accredited by HLC or seeking accreditation or candidate status shall demonstrate that it is in compliance with each of HLC’s Federal Compliance Requirements. This expectation shall apply to an institution regardless of whether the institution is participating in the Title IV program. However, an institution that does not participate in the Title IV program shall be exempted from that Federal Compliance Requirement related to demonstrating that the institution is meeting its Title IV program responsibilities.

An institution shall provide evidence of meeting these requirements in preparation for a comprehensive evaluation for Candidacy, Initial Accreditation and Reaffirmation of Accreditation and upon demand by HLC. An institution determined not to be in compliance with any Federal Compliance Requirement, even if in compliance with all other HLC requirements, may be subject to monitoring, Probation, a Show-Cause Order, or an adverse action, as defined by HLC policy based on the gravity of the finding as measured by (a) in the case of Probation, the extent to which a substantial remediation period is necessary to address such non-compliance or; (b) in the case of a Show-Cause Order or adverse action, the extent to which the very existence of the finding suggests that the institution should not remain accredited.

HLC reserves the right to call for special monitoring related to an institution’s status with regard to these requirements and any implications for its compliance with other HLC requirements, as appropriate, when findings by the U.S. Department of Education or by another recognized accreditor indicate there may be significant noncompliance with the Higher Education Act, as amended, or that the integrity of the institution and its educational programs might be in jeopardy.

Policy History

Last Revised or Edited: November 2025, effective September 2026
First Adopted: February 1996, effective September 1996
History:* revised February 1998; edited October 2003; renumbered November 2010 (former policy number 1.7); revised June 2012; renumbered November 2012 (former policy number 4.0); revised June 2019 (effective September 2019); revised June 2020; revised November 2020; edited February 2021; revised February 2022; revised November 2025 (effective September 2026)
Notes:

* 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.