Navigating Accreditation: Understanding the Higher Learning Commission and Its Impact

Accreditation serves as a crucial mechanism for ensuring quality and accountability within higher education. This article delves into the role of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a prominent accrediting agency, exploring its processes, significance, and related considerations.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process of external quality review used by higher education to scrutinize colleges, universities, and educational programs for quality assurance and quality improvement. It signifies that an institution meets defined standards of educational excellence. Accreditation or the lack thereof also weeds out other schools and so-called universities which fall short of reaching any degree of accountability.

The Role of Accrediting Bodies

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent accrediting agency founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. It is one member of the program integrity Triad, which consists of three areas of oversight for higher education in the United States. The Federal government and the state or sovereign nation in which the institution is located are the other two areas.

The Accreditation Process

The accreditation process involves a comprehensive evaluation of an institution's mission, resources, and effectiveness. Institutions are evaluated based on HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements. Peer reviewers evaluate institutional materials, visit campus and consider feedback from students and community members.

The Open Pathway is designed primarily for institutions that have completed at least one pathway cycle and are otherwise eligible to choose their pathway.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect during the Open Pathway accreditation cycle:

Year 4 Assurance Review: Some institutions on the Open Pathway undergo a virtual Assurance Review in Year 4. Peer reviewers evaluate the institution based on HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other requirements. Beginning in September 2025, certain eligible institutions may opt to complete a Quality Initiative project focused on student success during Years 1-4 in lieu of this review.
Student Success Quality Initiative: At the time an institution selects its Pathway for its next accreditation cycle, it may be eligible to choose to complete a Student Success Quality Initiative, rather than participate in a mid-cycle Assurance Review in Year 4. Eligible institutions may opt to complete a project focused on student success during Years 1-4 of their accreditation cycle in lieu of completing an Assurance Review in Year 4.
Open Quality Initiative: All institutions are required to design and implement a project to improve an aspect of their organization, or to pursue a strategic initiative. Institutions submit a project proposal between Years 5 and 7, and then report on the outcomes between Years 7 and 9. Peer reviewers evaluate the project proposal and outcomes report. Peer reviewers evaluate the project proposal and outcomes report, unless an institution chooses to participate in an HLC Academy for its Open Quality Initiative. Collect evidence and write Assurance Argument for mid-cycle Assurance Review. Submit Open Quality Initiative Proposal and begin implementation. Submit Open Quality Initiative Report.
Year 10 Evaluation: At the end of the Year 10 evaluation process, HLC determines whether the institution’s accreditation should be reaffirmed.

Read also: Key Trends in Education

Why Accreditation Matters

Accreditation holds significant importance for various stakeholders.

For Students: Students deserve the best. That is why we’re here. Accreditation ensures a certain level of quality and credibility, which can be crucial for career prospects and further educational opportunities.
For Institutions: Every higher ed institution has a unique mission, requiring a distinct approach to advancing it. As your accreditation partner, we have a personalized, one-of-a-kind support structure that helps you find the best way to bring your ideas to life. Accreditation can enhance an institution's reputation, attract funding, and facilitate transfer credit agreements with other institutions.

HLC's Financial Structure

HLC’s annual dues distribute the cost of maintaining accreditation evenly over each Pathway cycle. Institutions will still be billed for the Year 4 Assurance Review team’s honoraria, if applicable, and for expenses related to peer review team visits required as part of the comprehensive evaluation. Team expenses for comprehensive evaluations include travel, honoraria and facility expenses.

Other organizations have their own fee structures. For example, the HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION (HLC) has base dues of $5400, plus 65 cents per student.

HLC as an Employer

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent accrediting agency founded in 1895. HLC accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States.

HLC has approximately 60 employees. HLC is a hybrid work environment. In general, employees are expected to work in the HLC Chicago office on an occasional basis. Non-local candidates will be considered for Alternative Work Arrangements.

HLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Available Positions

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a non-profit higher education association, is seeking a Coordinator of Legal and Governmental Affairs. The position offers unique opportunities to engage with American higher education public policy, as well as emerging trends and innovations across colleges and universities.

Coordinator of Legal and Governmental Affairs Responsibilities:

Participates in aspects of LGA’s routine communications with key stakeholders, including state and federal legislative offices, other accreditors, state agencies, and institutions.
Participates in implementing select accreditation processes.
Coordinates workflow, technology, data and information, and materials to assure efficient and effective implementation.
Facilitates cross-functional collaboration to develop and implement HLC’s advocacy goals.
Participates in HLC’s Annual Conference.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a leading nonprofit association dedicated to advancing the quality of higher education, seeks a nationally recognized leader to forge partnerships, alliances, and funding relationships in order to develop new programs and business lines that amplify our mission and extend our impact. As Senior Vice President, you will collaborate closely with the President to lead enterprise-wide strategic initiatives and represent HLC as a thought leader in the national higher education community. This position is an opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly evolving higher education landscape. The ideal candidate has extensive networks across education, nonprofit, association or philanthropic sectors. They bring at least ten years of senior leadership experience with proven success implementing and managing the end-to-end launch of new business lines. The successful candidate will excel at building consensus, fostering collaboration, and leading cross-functional teams toward shared goals. They demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking, financial acumen, and project management expertise, along with the credibility to engage effectively with trustees, national higher education leaders, funders, and HLC's high-performing staff.HLC welcomes candidates with broad familiarity with higher education, as well as those from adjacent mission-driven sectors who have successfully developed and led new programs or partnerships that advance learning and opportunity. HLC values leaders who combine strategic insight with a deep commitment to the public good.

Senior Vice President Requirements:

Advanced Education: Master's degree or equivalent professional experience required; terminal degree or MBA preferred.
Strategic Partnership Development: Proven ability to identify and cultivate partnerships that expand organizational impact and strengthen financial sustainability.
Business Line Development: Extensive experience leading the end-to-end launch of new programs or business lines, including strategic planning, benchmarking, pricing, and operational execution.
Operational Readiness: Track record of ensuring organizational infrastructure and systems are prepared to support new initiatives and growth.
Grant Strategy and Execution: Demonstrated experience designing and implementing multi-year grant strategies aligned with mission and strategic priorities.
Project Leadership: Exceptional project management skills with demonstrated success in delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives.
Executive Advising Experience: Minimum of ten years advising senior leaders and navigating complex organizational challenges.
Leadership and Organizational Insight: Deep understanding of leadership practices, management strategies, and organizational behavior to drive effective decision-making and team performance.

Pay and Benefits

HLC offers a rich benefits package including an employer 10% contribution of base salary to the retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance options; long term disability insurance; and dedicated funding for professional development. HLC's time-off includes 20 vacation days, 10 personal days, and a typical annual office closure for ten days in December. The annual pay range for this salary is expected to be $230k-$250k, although the actual salary for the position may vary based on experience, qualifications, and HLC budget considerations.

Addressing Misconceptions

The North Central Association was dissolved in 2014. The dissolution of the North Central Association had no effect on the accreditation of any institution. Members should delete references to the North Central Association and replace them with HLC. Any third-party references to accreditation of colleges and universities by the North Central Association are referring to the accreditation of these institutions by HLC.

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