Higher Learning 2026

March 21–24 | Chicago

On This Page

Call for Proposals Frequently Asked Questions Sponsors Resources

About the Conference

Higher Learning 2026 will bring together professionals who are shaping the future of higher ed. The conference will explore how institutions can pursue continuous improvement through accreditation and ensure high-quality, transformative educational experiences that meet the evolving needs of students and society. Join colleagues to exchange ideas, explore new strategies, and gain skills that will enhance your institution’s impact and leadership.

Call for Proposals

Open July 16 – September 10, 2025

Have a presentation idea that can offer new insights and foster engaging, open discussions? Apply to present at Higher Learning 2026.

Learn More and Apply

Higher Learning 2025 Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions

Administrators, faculty members, CEOs, presidents and chancellors, representatives from higher ed organizations, and HLC institutional representatives and peer reviewers are welcome. Some programming during the conference is exclusive to representatives of member institutions that have an accreditation relationship with us.

Registration for Higher Learning 2026 will open in November 2025. Sign up for our email interest list to be notified when registration opens.

The General Program includes most sessions during the conference. Registered General Program attendees have access to:

  • All General Program sessions, including the Welcome Address, keynotes, and presentations by HLC and institutions.
  • The welcome reception, all networking breaks and breakfasts.
  • The expo hall featuring products and services from sponsors.

Pre-conference programs are separate and have their own registration fees. You do not have to register for a pre-conference program to participate in the General Program.

The full conference program is typically released in January, a few months before the conference. Be sure you’re subscribed to our conference email interest list to be notified when it’s available.

All programs during the conference take place in person. Slides may be accessed on the conference mobile app and website during and after the conference. HLC also offers a variety of virtual programs and events throughout the year.

There are typically several pre-conference programs that occur before the General Program. Each pre-conference program may be open to different institutional representatives depending on their role and relationship with HLC. Recurring pre-conference programs include Peer Reviewer Updates and Training for current HLC peer reviewers, Conversations With Presidents and Trustees, Seeking Accreditation for representatives from non-member institutions, and workshops on relevant areas of higher ed. Pre-conference programs for Higher Learning 2026 will be announced in fall 2025.

Pre-conference programs are sold separately from the General Program. You do not need to register for the General Program to attend a pre-conference program.

Yes. HLC is committed to making all reasonable accommodations that will allow attendees to fully participate in the conference. Please indicate any accommodations during registration, or contact us at [email protected].

For questions related to the conference, please contact [email protected].

Yes, more information about new attendee orientation will be provided during registration.

The conference brings representatives from institutions of every classification and size from across the country to Chicago to gather information and learn promising practices. In the expo hall, attendees connect with sponsors to learn about products and services that can provide solutions and opportunities to innovate their work.

Sponsoring Higher Learning also comes with several options to share your brand with attendees, including recognition on conference materials, showcase sessions, and more.

The 2026 sponsor application will open in fall 2025.

Save the Date

Higher Learning 2026:
March 21–24 | Chicago

Higher Learning 2027:
April 17–19 | Phoenix

Higher Learning 2028:
April 1–3 | Denver

Questions?

[email protected]