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HLC By the Numbers: Institutions and the Criteria 

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HLC’s annual report summarizing the findings from the comprehensive evaluations that have received final actions in academic year (AY) 2024, September 2023 – August 2024, is now available.  

The analysis addresses the differences across institutional contexts, examines how HLC member institutions have met the Criteria for Accreditation over the past five years, and explores the areas of challenge faced by the institutions. Below are some takeaways from the analysis. 

  • The overall outcomes were consistent with the improvement trend in recent years. The percentage of HLC institutions meeting the Criteria for Accreditation without concerns has improved 18 percentage points since the academic year 2020. 
  • The most frequently cited Core Components are 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. However, the proportion of institutions with citations for this Core Component has decreased 3 percentage points from last year and 8 percentage points from two years ago.  
  • 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 strengthen communication, programming and resources in support of the membership. 

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