By the Numbers: Findings From the Criteria for Accreditation

Based on the findings from the comprehensive evaluations conducted in academic year (AY) 2023, September 2022 – August 2023, this analysis addresses the differences across institutional contexts, examines how the Criteria for Accreditation work for HLC member institutions over the years, and explores the areas of challenge for institutions.  

Key takeaways from the analysis include: 

• The overall outcomes of the AY 2023 comprehensive evaluations were consistent with the improvement trend in recent years. The proportion of HLC institutions meeting the standards of quality under the Criteria for Accreditation without concerns has increased nine percentage points, compared to AY 2019. 
• The most frequently cited Core Components in AY 2023 have followed a persistent pattern established in the last five years, which included 3.C (sufficiency of faculty and staff), 4.A (ensuring quality of educational offerings), 4.B (assessment of student learning), 5.B (resource base), and 5.C (systematic and integrated planning and improvement). 
• Core Component 4.B continued to be the most frequently cited area of concern, with citations in 27% of all the comprehensive evaluations. The proportion of institutions cited on Core Component 4.B has decreased six percentage points from last year, continuing a noticeable downward trend in the last five years. 

An examination of the most frequently cited Core Components by Carnegie Classification provides further information on the specific areas of challenge by institutional sector. The insights gained from this analysis of comprehensive evaluations help guide HLC’s efforts to revise the Criteria for Accreditation and strengthen support and resources to meet the membership’s needs.