HLC has published process materials for Federal Compliance Reviews taking place during academic year 2026–27 (September 1, 2026–August 31, 2027). Institutions required to submit a Federal Compliance Filing as part of a comprehensive evaluation or monitoring in AY26–27 can review the requirements and begin compiling the necessary information.

The materials include:

• Federal Compliance Overview
• Institutional filing form
• Peer reviewer instructions

Revised Federal Compliance Requirements

The materials reflect revisions to HLC’s Federal Compliance Requirements that were adopted by the HLC Board of Trustees in November 2025 and go into effect on September 1, 2026. The policy changes clarify matters related to recordkeeping for student complaints, public disclosure of certain information, and actions by states and other recognized accreditors.

When Federal Compliance Is Reviewed

An institution submits a Federal Compliance Filing as part of the following evaluations:

• Comprehensive evaluations for:
  • Reaffirmation of Accreditation, regardless of when the evaluation occurs (including the first comprehensive evaluation that occurs after a grant of initial accreditation, or after the removal of Probation or Show Cause)
  • Candidacy
  • Initial Accreditation
  • Probation
  • Show Cause
• Routine monitoring arising from compliance concerns related to one or more Federal Compliance Requirements.
• Special monitoring, including advisory visits, arising from questions of compliance related to one or more Federal Compliance Requirements.
• As part of any other evaluation as determined necessary by HLC to verify compliance with one or more Federal Compliance Requirements.

Questions?

Contact [email protected].